House evictions
The book focuses on eight families in Milwaukee to explore the housing and rental market in America. Desmond highlights the rate of house evictions particularly in low-income neighborhoods by predatory landlords. He showcases the vicious cycle of debts and the threat of eviction affecting the families. The book offers the perspective of individuals that have a hard time keeping up with rent payments due to economic constraints.
Poverty
The book is a clear portrait of the wealth gap and poverty in the United States that mostly affects minority communities. Therefore the racial disparity in the economic sphere finds these communities stuck in a cycle of poverty. However, Desmond stresses the eviction issue and the housing market is beyond the financial situations of the tenants. The landlords and building owners who manipulate the market to charge unfair rental fees that overwhelm the occupants.
Homelessness
The huge issue that accompanies house evictions and low income is the lack of securing shelter hence homelessness. Desmond highlights the lives of evictees who have been forced to dwell in homeless shelters that not always available. The book demonstrates this major issue in America that affects many due to unprecedented occurrences. Thus, entails the effects of the 2007-2008 financial crisis on the housing market that made homelessness a rampant problem.
Economic exploitation
Desmond focuses more on the economic exploitation that befalls the residents than their personal struggles. Consequently showcases the high rates for buildings in lower-class neighborhoods that contend with those in an affluent neighborhood. He highlights the reluctance of landlords to accept rent assistance and housing vouchers that are aimed to aid tenants. Moreover, they gain high profits from these buildings despite their poor conditions and lack of amenities.
Drug Addiction
Though the book offers economic reasons that result in the evictions and homelessness it explores other contributing factors. For instance, Scott is a nurse who got addicted to pain medications that he took to battle chronic pain. Subsequently, he goes through a downward spiral into other hard drugs leading to his eventual eviction. Desmond explores drug addiction that hound low-income neighborhood and renders the victims incapable of keeping up with rental fees.
