Matthew Desmond
Eviction is not just a consequence of poverty but a primary cause of it. A severe lack of affordable housing ensures many low-income families remain trapped in a relentless cycle of financial ruin.
Low-income renters frequently spend over half of their income on housing, leaving them incredibly vulnerable to sudden expenses and subsequent eviction.
Women from disadvantaged neighborhoods face the highest rates of displacement, experiencing the same systemic disruption that mass incarceration inflicts upon men.
The presence of children often exacerbates housing insecurity because landlords prefer to avoid the potential liabilities and maintenance costs associated with larger families.