5/9/24 – Thomas Thoreau

Thomas Thoreau, 38, a resident of Aurora, Illinois, has experienced firsthand the intertwining challenges of eviction and job loss. Once a steady employee at a local retail store, Tom’s life spiraled when the store closed down two years ago, thrusting him into financial instability and leading to a subsequent eviction. This interview was conducted on May 12, 2024, at a local coffee shop in downtown Aurora where Tom shared his journey through these trying times.

Tom, thank you for agreeing to talk about your experiences. Could you start by telling us about the events leading up to your eviction?

Thanks for having me. It all started when the retail store I worked at shut down. I had been there for over eight years, and suddenly, I was out of a job. I started falling behind on rent almost immediately. I looked for work, but there just wasn’t much available that I qualified for, and what was available didn’t pay enough to cover the bills.

That must have been a tough situation. How long did it take before you faced eviction?

It happened pretty fast. I missed two months’ rent, and then the eviction notice came. I tried negotiating with my landlord, explaining my situation, hoping for some leniency or a payment plan, but he had already started the eviction process. I guess he had his own bills to pay.

Facing eviction and job loss simultaneously must have been overwhelming. How did you manage during that period?

It was incredibly stressful. I had to rely a lot on friends and a bit on family. I stayed with a friend for a few weeks here and there, couch surfing really. I spent a good amount of time in shelters too. All the while, I was trying to get any job I could just to get some stability back.

What impact did this experience have on your mental and emotional health?

It took a toll, definitely. There were days I just felt hopeless, like nothing was going to get better. Depression and anxiety became part of my daily life. It’s hard to see any light when you’re not sure where you’re going to sleep each night or where your next meal is coming from.

Were there any resources in Aurora that helped you through this time?

There are some resources, but it’s tough. The shelters were helpful for immediate needs like a place to sleep and meals, but there’s a lot of people in need, and the resources are stretched thin. I went to a couple of job training sessions offered by a local community center, which helped a little with updating my resume and job interview skills.

How do you feel about the support system available in the city for people in your situation?

It’s a start, but there’s room for improvement. The city needs more comprehensive job placement programs and perhaps more direct intervention programs to prevent evictions in the first place. The support feels very reactionary; it’s like they’re trying to patch holes rather than rebuild the foundation.

Now that you’re on the other side of this experience, what changes do you think would make the most difference for people facing similar challenges?

Employment support needs to be more robust. Also, rental assistance programs that intervene before an eviction occurs could make a huge difference. Education on tenants’ rights would be valuable too—many people don’t know what their rights are or how to seek help until it’s too late.

What’s your current situation like, and what are your plans for the future?

I recently started a new job, so things are looking up. It’s not in retail but at a warehouse, which pays okay and seems stable. I’m just taking things one day at a time, trying to save a bit and stay positive. I hope to find a place of my own soon, now that I have some income coming in.

Any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share based on your experiences?

I just hope my story can highlight the need for better safety nets for people when they lose their jobs. No one should have to go through the uncertainty of losing their home because they lost their job. We need better planning and more compassion in our systems.

Tom, thank you for sharing your story with us. It’s important to shine a light on these issues, and your insights are incredibly valuable.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share. Hopefully, it helps someone else going through similar struggles.