A Memphis mother of five has been forced to live in her car with her children just weeks before Christmas after being evicted from her home.
Mercedes Hubbard, who had never missed a rent payment during her 13 months at Wheel Estate, a mobile home park, faced a series of challenges, including a rent increase and persistent water leaks.
Hubbard had been residing at Wheel Estate since September 22, 2023. However, her rent was raised from $762 to over $900 a month, while she also struggled with continuous water leaks that added extra financial strain.
She claimed that the property manager included three months’ worth of rent, along with charges for the water leaks, in an attempt to push through her eviction.
By October 30, 2024, Hubbard reportedly owed $3,701 in total. As a result, she and her five children have been living in their car since October, struggling to find shelter. Hubbard believes her eviction could have been prevented.
“I can’t go anywhere because I have all the fees they left me with,” Hubbard told ABC affiliate ABC24, referring to the additional charges caused by the water leaks.
Despite efforts from the Shelby County Court Division of Community Services, which requested Wheel Estate grant Hubbard more time to secure rental assistance, the park’s property manager stated they would not allow for any delay and insisted on reclaiming the property.
Hubbard was told that if she qualified for rental assistance, she would not face eviction, but she claims this was a lie. “It’s a terrible feeling because I was lied to and I was continuing to pay my rent on time,” she said.
The situation has escalated as Hubbard, who has lost both her jobs and her home, now faces the possibility of her car being repossessed. This is not the first time the park’s management has been criticized.
Earlier in the year, more than 200 residents signed a petition, accusing the management of neglecting basic maintenance such as repairing street lights, gates, and potholes since the management change in 2023.
In response to the complaints, the property owner, Roots Management Group, stated they were considering on-site hours for the community manager and working to install a new water main to resolve ongoing issues.