Breaking the Cycle: Evictions (Repost from March 2025)

Eviction is the legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from a rental property, typically due to non-payment of rent or violations of the lease agreement. This process can be swift; in North Carolina, for instance, tenants may be served court papers one week and be in court the next.

The consequences of eviction are profound, leading to immediate housing instability, disruptions in employment and education, and adverse health outcomes. Moreover, eviction filings are public record. So even if there is no judgement in the case, the record remains. Having an eviction record can severely limit a family's ability to secure future housing, as many landlords and tenant screening services consider such records in their rental decisions.

In Durham County, North Carolina, the eviction crisis is particularly pronounced. In 2024, 6,918 families faced eviction filings, placing Durham 18th in eviction rates among North Carolina counties. Notably, women of color-led households experience the highest eviction rates in the area, reflecting broader national trends where Black and Latina women are disproportionately affected. In 2022, Black tenants made up approximately 43.5% of Durham’s renting population, however, they comprised 75.8% of tenants facing eviction filings. This disparity exacerbates existing social and economic inequities, making it even more challenging for these families to find stable housing and break the cycle of poverty.

Families Moving Forward works to support families with eviction histories and prevent future housing instability. FMF provides families with eviction prevention resources, including financial literacy workshops, tenant rights education, and connections to rental assistance programs. Additionally, FMF helps families secure stable housing by working with landlords willing to rent to tenants with eviction records and by offering aftercare case management services to ensure long-term success. Through workforce development programs, FMF also equips parents with skills for higher-paying jobs, reducing the risk of future eviction due to financial hardship. By addressing both the immediate and systemic challenges of eviction, FMF helps families regain stability and build a foundation for a secure future.