Single Mother Overcomes Eviction to Secure Housing for Children

Last year, Sechita McNair and her three children faced a significant challenge when they were evicted from their apartment in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of Atlanta. The eviction marked a turning point for the family, as losing their home also meant the potential disruption of their education.

Federal law provides some protections for evicted families, allowing children to remain enrolled in their schools despite moving out of the designated residency zone. However, once McNair and her sons found housing in the suburb of Jonesboro, those protections would only last until the end of the school year. Determined to secure a home within her former neighborhood before the new school year began, McNair aimed to provide her children with stability and continuity in their education.

Challenges in Finding Affordable Housing

Securing a “semi-affordable” apartment in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward proved challenging for McNair, particularly due to her recent eviction record. Throughout the last school year and summer, she and her children made the arduous commute between Jonesboro and Atlanta. When her newer car was repossessed, they resorted to public transit, often leading to journeys that took nearly two hours.

The family’s rental in Jonesboro, situated in a neighborhood of brick colonials and manicured lawns, may represent a dream for some families. However, for McNair, the allure of well-resourced schools in Atlanta was paramount. The Atlanta school district allocates nearly $20,000 per student annually, which is $7,000 more than the budget in Jonesboro. This funding translates to smaller classroom sizes and better access to support services, including psychologists and guidance counselors.

Additionally, McNair identified the importance of living in a city that offers resources such as libraries, e-scooters, bike paths, hospitals, rental assistance agencies, and food pantries. These amenities are crucial for families seeking stability and growth.

A Determined Quest for Stability

As a former film industry worker now seeking employment, McNair took on extra hours driving for Uber and borrowed money to secure a lease in the right Atlanta neighborhood. Ultimately, she achieved her goal: her children were able to return to their original schools, ensuring continuity in their education.

Despite her success, McNair grappled with feelings of safety and security in her new apartment. Concerns about the condition of her new home, including a front door that appeared to have been forced open and malfunctioning appliances, weighed heavily on her. The financial burden of paying rent on both the Atlanta apartment and the Jonesboro house became increasingly untenable.

As she prepared to leave the Jonesboro home, McNair faced the looming threat of her possessions being put out on the curb. With a promise to herself to avoid such a fate for her children, she remained focused on creating a stable and nurturing environment for them.

“I’ve promised myself I’d never let that happen to my kids,” McNair stated.

This journey through housing instability highlights the challenges many families face in urban areas, particularly in communities experiencing rapid changes. McNair’s determination to secure a stable home for her children serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles endured by many single parents in similar situations.