Introduction
The affordable housing crisis in the United States is worsening, with rents increasing significantly nationwide. This has led to a corresponding rise in eviction notices. According to Zillow, rents have surged more than 30% from pre-pandemic levels. In Maricopa County, Arizona, one of the hardest-hit areas, the situation has become particularly dire, as a surge in evictions is leaving many residents homeless.
Eviction Process in Maricopa County
Maricopa County has seen a dramatic increase in eviction notices, a trend highlighted by the daily work of constables like Mahogany Kennedy. As one of the 26 constables in the county, Kennedy’s job is to serve eviction notices, a task that has become a grim routine. On a typical day, Kennedy attempts to serve three eviction notices, reflecting the increasing number of people facing homelessness due to rising rents.
Impact on Residents
The rise in evictions has had a profound impact on residents. For instance, Heavyn Glasgow, who was the last to leave a three-bedroom apartment that housed seven people, found herself struggling with the high cost of living. This situation is not unique to her, as many residents find it challenging to cope with the soaring expenses.
Judicial Perspective
Judge Anna Huberman, who handles eviction cases in South Phoenix, hears as many as 500 cases a month. This is a significant increase compared to the period after the pandemic-era eviction moratorium ended three years ago. Despite initial beliefs that there would be a surge in eviction filings post-moratorium, the expected “tsunami” of evictions did not immediately materialize. However, it appears that Maricopa County is now experiencing this anticipated surge, with eviction filings up 21% compared to pre-pandemic levels, reaching over 83,000 filings.
National Trends
Nationally, about 3.6 million evictions are filed annually. However, the distribution of these filings is changing, with at least 14 cities, primarily in the Sun Belt, experiencing double-digit increases since 2019. These areas are witnessing population growth and rising rents, exacerbating the eviction crisis.
Family and Community Impact
Families, especially those with children, are at the heart of the eviction crisis. According to Dr. Carl Gershenson, who runs the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, many families are just one unexpected expense away from eviction. This precarious financial situation makes it difficult for families to maintain stable housing, leading to a cycle of displacement and hardship.
Personal Stories
The personal stories of those affected by evictions highlight the human toll of this crisis. Kristopher Aranda, for example, lived with his girlfriend in their home for seven years. After she lost her battle with cancer in January, Aranda, who had not been working to care for her, was unable to come up with the $3,000 needed to stay in their home. With nowhere to go, Aranda faces the daunting prospect of starting over from scratch.
Conclusion
The eviction crisis in Maricopa County, Arizona, is a stark reflection of the broader affordable housing crisis gripping the nation. As rents continue to rise, more and more residents find themselves unable to keep up with the costs, leading to a surge in evictions and homelessness.
The stories of individuals like Heavyn Glasgow and Kristopher Aranda underscore the urgent need for solutions to address this growing problem. The increasing eviction rates not only disrupt lives but also strain communities and highlight the critical need for affordable housing policies to mitigate this crisis.
