Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a non-profit regional law firm that provides high quality legal assistance in civil matters to help eligible low-income individuals and groups in western Ohio achieve self reliance, and equal justice and economic opportunity.
Standing Up Against Injustice: Alice’s Fight for Fair Housing
Alice Wood’s journey through housing instability showcases her resilience and determination to stand against systemic injustices. Her story, intertwined with the efforts of Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) and the Dayton Tenant Union (DTU), highlights the harsh realities of the housing crisis and the power of community support and legal advocacy. Key figures in her journey, like ABLE Community Organizer Destiny Brown and ABLE attorney Sarah Weber, played pivotal roles in ensuring her voice was heard in the courtroom and beyond.
A Timeline of Struggle and Survival
Alice’s housing issues began several years ago, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought her to Dayton. Initially, she moved to Xenia to assist her parents but soon found the situation untenable and sought alternative housing.
In Xenia, Alice and her family found temporary relief at a unique family shelter run by the American Red Cross. However, the shortage of affordable healthy housing soon led to a series of evictions, a common systemic issue that has made it more difficult for families to secure stable housing.
Alice's next apartment, located in Dayton, was riddled with deplorable conditions, including a termite infestation, illustrating the poor quality of housing often available to low-income families. Despite her efforts to rally fellow tenants to demand action from property owners, the urgency of her situation forced her to leave. This constant displacement is a direct result of systemic failures that fail to provide adequate support and protection for tenants.
The housing crisis left Alice bouncing between hotels, draining her earnings on temporary accommodations. Her situation was further complicated by domestic violence, prompting her to seek help from the YWCA. While the YWCA provided immediate support and shelter, it was not a permanent solution. After nearly a year, Alice had to leave the shelter. She had obtained a housing voucher, offering a glimmer of hope for more stable and affordable housing options.
Finding Hope in the Dayton Tenant Union and ABLE
Alice found a new apartment unit on Facebook Marketplace, but it failed to pass an inspection and the landlord neglected necessary repairs, creating an unsafe environment. Determined to fight back, Alice took her landlord to court using the rent escrow process, which allows tenants to deposit rent with the court until repairs are made. Despite her efforts, she faced challenges, including missed court dates and another looming eviction.
During this struggle, Alice attended a city commission meeting where she met ABLE Community Organizer Destiny Brown, who works closely with the Dayton Tenant Union. Destiny introduced Alice to the DTU, where she found a supportive community advocating for tenant rights. The DTU provided Alice with the knowledge and resources to understand her rights and navigate housing laws, reinforcing her resolve and connecting her with others committed to fighting for fair housing.
Alice’s situation reached another significant turning point when she connected with ABLE. Her first encounter with Sarah Weber, an attorney at ABLE who works with Destiny, marked the beginning of a substantial change. During her initial visit to Alice's apartment, Sarah meticulously documented the dismal conditions that Alice and her family were enduring. A mouse infestation, holes in the floor and doors, leaky pipes, and broken appliances were all photographed and cataloged.
Sarah’s hands-on approach reassured Alice that she was finally receiving the support she needed. “I could tell that Sarah really cared. She came out to my house and took her own pictures,” Alice recalled.
Sarah taught Alice how to research property ownership and navigate the legal landscape. This education proved invaluable, as it empowered Alice to feel more in control of her situation. “She also showed me research techniques to find out who owned the property and whether they were registered,” Alice explained. “With that information, I felt more equipped to take on my landlord.”
Sarah worked diligently to develop a comprehensive legal strategy for Alice. First, she helped Alice refile for rent escrow, ensuring that all necessary documentation was in order. Sarah also advised Alice on how to present her case effectively in court, providing her with the confidence to speak out against the injustices she was facing. Despite the earlier challenges, including a missed court date and an eviction notice, Sarah’s support never wavered. Sarah’s presence and expertise provided Alice with a sense of security and assurance that she was not alone in her fight.
An Ongoing Fight
Through her journey with ABLE and DTU, Alice was able to escape the unlivable apartment and find a more suitable living situation for her family. This experience has equipped her with the necessary resources to continue to advocate for her and her fellow DTU members’ rights. She remains an active voice in the DTU, which meets monthly in the Community Room at Gem City Market. Learn more at www.daytontenantunion.com.
Alice and Sarah offer advice for those facing eviction or housing issues:
“Document everything. Write down the date, time, who you spoke with, and what was agreed upon. Evidence is key,” said Alice. “Act fast because time is not on our side. You can do this on your own, but reach out to your local legal aid organization quickly.”
“You are not an island,” said Sarah. “There are people who have been through this or can connect you to those who know how to handle these issues. Start early and be vocal. Though you may feel embarrassment or shame over an impending eviction, you’re not alone. We are here to help.”
Alice's story exemplifies how the housing crisis perpetuates continuous instability for individuals and families. Systemic issues, such as a lack of affordable housing options, rising housing costs, inadequate tenant protections, poor housing conditions, and insufficient support services, contribute to an ongoing cycle of displacement and uncertainty. ABLE addresses these root causes by providing sustainable solutions, advocating with and for clients, and ensuring that people like Alice can achieve lasting housing stability.
To contact ABLE’s client call center, the Legal Aid Line, please call (888) 534-1432 or visit www.legalaidline.org.