MURFREESBORO, TN — I want to reach out to you about my situation in Nashville. Nashville is my home. But I can no longer afford to live there so now I live in Murfreesboro. And I’m in danger of being put out of my house because I can’t afford to pay an increase in my rent. I’m disabled. I’m no longer able to work and I’m currently on short term disability. In September I will be 62 and I am eligible for retirement so I will be getting my retirement and applying for disability. I have gone from making $2,000 a month clear to making $1,400 a month on short term disability and my retirement will be $900 if I don’t get approved for disability.
I currently pay $625 a month rent and my landlady wants to go up to $750. I don’t begrudge her that and I have explained that my income is going to decrease and she’s suggesting that I find another place. But there is no other place for this rent. All the rent is too high. I also have lost most of my vision as well as being under able to walk very well. So I’m scared I’m going to get evicted. My landlady thinks my children will take me in but that’s not possible.
I want to say something about the plight of people in this area. Because it’s not just me. More and more people are having to leave Nashville because the rich people are moving in. People are sleeping on heating grates and in church doorways and all the city cares about is pandering to the tourist and the hundred people that move here every day. Something has to be done. I can’t fight any longer but maybe my story can help.
Stories of resistance and unity in the fight for Housing as a Right
This story is one in a series stories sent to the People’s Tribune from leaders of the homeless and housing movements in different cities. They reflect the consciousness and resistance of those fighting to keep themselves and others in their homes, now and once the national eviction moratorium ends on July 31, and against the harassment and criminalization of our brothers and sisters who have already been thrown into the streets.
People are demanding that federal Covid monies pledged to ‘help’ go into real protection and real housing, not to corporate landlords or prison-like shelters. People are organizing to resist evictions and the destruction of independent tent encampments. They are using various forms of media to share stories and strategies, as well as on-the-ground actions, linking up into a national network and movement.
Our power lies in the unity of millions in this fight. The People’s Tribune wants your stories, photos and comments, to help get out the word about this important and growing movement. Send to info@peoplestribune.org or leave comments or stories at www.peoplestribune.org. Or call 773-48-3551. Let’s connect! — Sarah Menefee, Homeless and Housing Desk, People’s Tribune
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