The jobless rate during the coronavirus pandemic continues to climb to alarming levels. People have either completely lost their jobs or they’ve been furloughed.
Small business owners aren’t sure if they’ll survive the economic downturn. Parents are panicking not knowing how to put food on the table and keep the roof over the kids’ heads.
Seniors who are isolating themselves during this challenging time are watching their retirement accounts dwindle to nothing and fret over their future.
There’s so much uncertainty right now but one thing hasn’t changed — the kindness of others. Food drives have popped up to stock pantries that many are turning to for help just to get by.
Renters understandably are concerned about being evicted, especially those with children. Thankfully some landlords realize how dire the situation is right now and have kindly waived rent or given tenants an extension.
Landlord Nathan Nichols cut his renters some slack and encouraged others to do the same. He owns a two-unit in South Portland and shared that all of his tenants are finding themselves in a very precarious situation.
“COVID19 is going to cause serious financial hardship for service and hourly workers around the country. Because I have the good fortune of being able to afford it and the privilege of being in the owner class, I just let them know I would not be collecting rent in April. I ask any other landlords out there to take a serious look at your own situation and consider giving your tenants some rent relief as well.”
But there are relief programs available to help the kindhearted landlords who need a boost, too.
This mom of four was at a complete loss as to how she was going to pay her bills and put food on the table for her kids who had to stay home after school was shut down due to the virus.
“SOOO My landlord Alan called me earlier and told me not to worry about rent this month and we will worry about it later. [I] said okay!”
But Alan wasn’t done…
“Then he asked me if we had food. I told him how I had 3 packs of meat left and needed to go this week and he told me okay be safe. Then I get a text saying go to your front porch please!!! And I see this. I couldn’t tell you how I feel right now for him to do this for my family. My heart is so touched. GOD BLESS YOU.”
The landlord known only as Alan didn’t just buy cheap food for this family. He bought milk, produce and even diapers!
The outpouring of support shown on Facebook to landlords Nathan and Alan has been incredible. Brandee Cobus told Christina Maria that Alan is “amazing.”
“It literally shows me I’m not wrong in believing there is good in this world!”
“That’s the way we should be every day is help our friends and neighbors out and other people in general. That’s one thing that this COVID-19 did to us is appreciate our families and friends and neighbors.”
“Thank you for your thoughtful insight. I am drafting a letter to my tenants now.”
What an amazing thing for these landlords to do to help their tenants, who are frustrated and worried just like everyone else and are going through a dark time.
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