
Gofundme has become a lifeline for many people facing eviction, with over 70% of campaigns created for eviction relief purposes being successful.
For those struggling to make ends meet, Gofundme provides a platform to raise funds and seek help from their community.
According to Gofundme's own data, eviction relief campaigns have raised over $1 million in just one month.
People in need can create a campaign in just a few minutes, with most campaigns being set up by the individual facing eviction themselves.
Financial Challenges Are Widespread
Financial challenges are widespread, and many people are struggling to make ends meet. Only about 48% of U.S. adults have enough savings to cover expenses for three months.
The cost of living is increasing, but wages are not keeping pace. This means that many people are struggling to afford rent, especially in areas with low vacancy rates and high property values.
Long waiting lists for subsidized housing are also a major issue. Waitlists of 2-3 years for low-income families and singles make it even harder for people to find affordable housing.
Here are some reasons why people are struggling to pay rent:
- Wages are not increasing at a proportional rate to the consistently increasing property values and low vacancy rates.
- Increasingly long waiting lists for subsidized housing.
Government Response
The government response to eviction is limited. Unfortunately, the federal government provides only limited help to pay emergency rent costs.
The federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides help through its housing choice voucher program, but there are often long waitlists.
You almost have to get to the point of crisis before you're able to get assistance, which can make it hard to get help in the first place.
Some emergency funding is available, but it's generally administered through state agencies, and it's often difficult to access unless you're facing eviction.
Rising Need for Help
The rising need for help is a stark reality for many individuals facing eviction.
According to a recent study, nearly 1 in 5 renters in the US struggle to pay rent on time.
Eviction can be a traumatic experience, leading to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, for those affected.
In 2020, over 2 million people in the US were evicted from their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many individuals who have been evicted in the past report difficulty finding stable housing and rebuilding their lives.
Gofundme campaigns have become a lifeline for those facing eviction, providing a way to raise funds and support from community members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 100% of GoFundMe go to the person?
GoFundMe deducts transaction fees from donations, so the person receiving funds gets all raised funds minus these fees. Learn more about our fees and how they work
Can you use GoFundMe for legal defense?
Yes, you can use GoFundMe to raise funds for legal defense, making it easier to cover lawyer fees and lift the financial burden. Learn how to get started with a quick and easy crowdfunding process.
What happens to GoFundMe money if goal not reached?
If your GoFundMe goal isn't met, you'll still receive all donations made to your campaign. You can use these funds to cover expenses or make a difference in your own way
Sources
- https://opensecretsmagazine.com/p/hamptons-senior-affordable-housing-crisis-renter
- https://www.gofundme.com/c/blog/emergency-rental-assistance
- https://www.newsweek.com/struggling-renters-turn-gofundme-avoid-evictions-1921533
- https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/30-increase-gofundme-eviction-fundraisers-colorado-dont-have-option/
- https://www.the-sun.com/news/13087746/mom-eviction-notice-hospital-washington/
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