Eviction Lab Researching the Eviction Crisis in the US
by pedro graterol
In 2018, Alaska saw an average of 7.4 eviction filings per day. Though this number may appear as just another statistic amidst the complex housing crisis, it is, in fact, evidence of a crisis exacerbating economic inequality and affecting the most vulnerable individuals: eviction. This crisis is being meticulously studied by Eviction Lab, an academic center at Princeton University dedicated to researching the eviction crisis in the United States. Founded by sociologist Matthew Desmond, author of the renowned book “Evicted,” the lab has conducted in-depth investigations on the impact of evictions in various communities and created a national map of evictions spanning from 2000 to 2018. During the pandemic, they established the Eviction Tracking System, monitoring data in 34 cities and 10 states. Surprisingly, they observed that pandemic relief measures significantly reduced evictions, but they now note an increase in some regions that surpass pre-COVID levels.
This growth demands our attention. According to Matthew Desmond, in his book “Evicted,” evictions are not only a condition of poverty but also a factor causing it. To understand this further, we spoke with Juan Pablo Garnham, a researcher and manager of communications and political engagement at Eviction Lab. He shared insights into the impacts of eviction on affected families: “Evictions end up impacting their daily lives in multiple ways, affecting children’s education, mental health, financial situation, and even leaving records and backgrounds that complicate finding a new place to live. It is crucial to consider that losing one’s home affects not only the individual involved but also their entire family, and the longer this situation persists, the deeper and longer lasting the impact on their lives,” Garnham commented.
Despite the challenges, there are initiatives that can aid in this crisis. Juan Pablo mentioned that changes at the community and federal levels can make a difference. However, the most crucial aspect is ensuring that tenants are aware of their rights during the eviction process: “Many people facing eviction have no idea what’s happening. The process is unfairly biased against tenants.”
According to Garnham, the eviction process typically consists of five steps, which may vary slightly from one place to another. First, the landlord must notify the eviction, usually in writing and in person, leading to a court case. Then, the landlord presents the eviction case in court, requesting a hearing, which is the third step. At this point, after both tenant and landlord present their arguments, the judge decides. If the eviction is granted, there is an execution process where an official removes the tenant’s belongings. Throughout this process, tenants have rights that must be respected: “People have the right to go to court if they wish, and they could potentially stay until the moment of eviction itself.” However, in many cases, individuals decide to vacate before that. For more information on tenants’ rights during the process, they can review the postcard below this article.
Currently, the lab is embarking on a new project, gathering data on evictions in undocumented communities. Garnham stated, “Many times, Latinos and immigrants, especially undocumented individuals, are not reflected in eviction data because court records serve as the source. If you don’t go to court, or if your eviction occurred informally or illegally, it won’t be recorded. We want to understand the impact of evictions on undocumented individuals, as this is a reality that remains largely invisible.” If you know someone who has experienced this situation, they can participate by completing a short and anonymous questionnaire at (https://evictionlab.org/desalojos/). Additionally, resources are available to assist those going through the eviction process. The Eviction Lab can be reached by email at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +1 (971) 401-2210.
The issue of evictions is complex, requiring collective effort to understand and take action. Thanks to organizations like Eviction Lab, progress is being made in seeking solutions to the national housing crisis.
