There’s no place like home for the holidays, unless you’re worried about losing your home.

Ben, a retired senior who lives largely off his Social Security income, has limited housing options but appreciates having a roof over his head. When the pandemic put a dent in his income and he fell behind on his rent, he received an eviction verbal threat from his landlord.

But Ben turned to Gulfcoast Legal Serives, a United Way Suncoast strategic community partner. A Gulfcoast attorney assisted Ben, explaining his rights regarding the eviction and the process to acquire funds through the federal government’s Emergency Rental Assistance program. With the attorney’s help, Ben’s application received approval. He paid his past rent and no eviction was ever filed against him.

As we wrap up 2021 and move into 2022, United Way Suncoast continues to work towards helping people like Ben. Eviction filings have risen dramatically across the nation and across United Way Suncoast’s five-county region since the CDC lifted its moratorium.

Our response? Fund the hiring of more rental assistance navigators so they can help those facing eviction access ERA funds and pay landlords, who also have endured challenges. It’s part of a comprehensive eviction mitigation we’ve launched to help thousands.

Your gift can help us bring brighter days to community members like Ben in 2022. We strive to make the world better, not just during festive holidays but every season. United Way Suncoast lifts up working families long after the decorations come down, because we know, United We Rise, United We Win.