Recently, there has been a spike in renter evictions around the country. Rental costs now take more than 30% of an individuals monthly income. ‘Fragile renters’ frequently live from paycheck to paycheck and are likely to be evicted more quickly than ever before. For example in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – evictions have increased 3 times the number in previous years. Also, the evictions are higher for African Americans than the rest of the population. If you are concerned about this issue, contact your local housing authority to learn about your rights. An eviction can wreak havoc on your credit report and will likely remain for up to seven years. Please note that an eviction can turn into homelessness for those living on the financial edge.
Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is the Pastor of Andrew Chapel, United Methodist Church on the Northern Neck in Montross, VA. Rev. Dr. Taylor promotes best practices for financial literacy and financial empowerment in the church and leads workshops throughout Northern Virginia. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the District Finance Committee. In May 2015, Rev. Dr. Taylor received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, VA. Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is married to Dr. David Taylor, who is also the Director of our church-based free clinic. They have two adult children and three grandchildren. In her leisure time, Rev. Dr. Taylor enjoys traveling, jogging, weightlifting, swimming, yoga, and interior decorating. In May 2015, Rev. Dr. Taylor received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. Rev. Dr. Taylor was born and raised in New York City and recently discovered her ancestral roots in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is married to David Taylor and they have a son and a daughter. Their daughter is a educator and son is an Active-Duty Senior Seaman in the Navy married with three children. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, reading, swimming, writing poetry, crocheting and spending time with her family.