Madonna and Stephen evicted and homeless
Donation protected
"I never thought I would see myself in this situation," says Madonna. She is 78 and has been living in Providence for over 40 years. Just over a year ago, she, her husband, and their son, were evicted from their apartment on the West Side.
The eviction forced the family to search for a new home, yet potential landlords rejected them precisely because of their eviction record. Affordable housing waiting lists were years long, and most market-rate apartments were out of reach.
When Madonna and Stephen became homeless in July 2018, even family shelters were full. They slept in their car, and did not find an apartment until February 2019.
But even now that they are housed, after 7 months of homelessness, they still face significant challenges. After a car accident in the fall, Madonna lost the use of her legs, as well as the car Stephen needed for his delivery job.
They need to purchase a car and a better wheelchair. With income from his job, Stephen will make enough for himself and his mother to find a new home closer to Providence. The apartment they have now is a twenty minute walk away from the nearest bus stop. Both Madonna and Stephen need to be close to the city for medical appointments.
The financial donations they receive will help. However, if you or anyone you know is willing to donate a car, or has a place for them to move, please get in touch.
A short film following the Trottier's eviction and housing search will premiere at the RISD museum theater on Monday, June 3 at 7pm. Madonna and Stephen will be in attendance. There will be a panel discussion about ending the eviction crisis after the screening.
For more information about the Trottiers:
https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180214/rent-control-activists-protest-effort-to-evict-elderly-providence-couple--video
https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180503/time-running-out-for-elderly-federal-hill-couple-to-find-new-place-to-live
The eviction forced the family to search for a new home, yet potential landlords rejected them precisely because of their eviction record. Affordable housing waiting lists were years long, and most market-rate apartments were out of reach.
When Madonna and Stephen became homeless in July 2018, even family shelters were full. They slept in their car, and did not find an apartment until February 2019.
But even now that they are housed, after 7 months of homelessness, they still face significant challenges. After a car accident in the fall, Madonna lost the use of her legs, as well as the car Stephen needed for his delivery job.
They need to purchase a car and a better wheelchair. With income from his job, Stephen will make enough for himself and his mother to find a new home closer to Providence. The apartment they have now is a twenty minute walk away from the nearest bus stop. Both Madonna and Stephen need to be close to the city for medical appointments.
The financial donations they receive will help. However, if you or anyone you know is willing to donate a car, or has a place for them to move, please get in touch.
A short film following the Trottier's eviction and housing search will premiere at the RISD museum theater on Monday, June 3 at 7pm. Madonna and Stephen will be in attendance. There will be a panel discussion about ending the eviction crisis after the screening.
For more information about the Trottiers:
https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180214/rent-control-activists-protest-effort-to-evict-elderly-providence-couple--video
https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180503/time-running-out-for-elderly-federal-hill-couple-to-find-new-place-to-live
Organizer
Oscar Dupuy d'Angeac
Organizer
Providence, RI
