Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Local Restaurant Owner Pledges To Pay Rent Of Mother Facing Eviction
Presley Wilson and her four-year-old son, Raiden, outside of her mobile home in Pomona's California Trailer Grove. (Courtesy of Presley Wilson)
()
Last week, Presley Wilson was self-isolating in her trailer, unable to work due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and afraid of contracting it because of her chronic health issues. A single mother, Wilson had received a three-day notice from her landlord, and was facing eviction -- during a pandemic.
"It's pretty damn scary, especially when you have a kid," she told me in a story published on Friday.
This week, things are looking better. After seeing our story, an LAist reader contacted Wilson, offering to cut a check for her rent, utilities and late fees.
"The [story] about Presley just stuck out," Shawn Nee said on Monday, after he and Wilson spoke over the phone. "She has a son and I have a son who are both the same age, so that really struck a chord with me."
Support for LAist comes from
Nee owns Burgers Never Say Die, a casual and extremely popular Silver Lake burger joint. He decided to shut down the restaurant, even for takeout and delivery.
For Wilson, Nee's help follows days of uncertainty. She recently wrote to her management company asking for rent relief -- but hadn't yet heard back. She said she ran into obstacles getting financial support from a county program helping families avoid eviction. She's hopeful that will come through in April.
Sign for the California Trailer Grove mobile home park in Pomona. (Aaron Mendelson/LAist)
()
"I feel much better," Wilson said on Monday. "This is one less month I have to worry about at the end of all this."
Wilson said the phone call with Nee was itself a bright spot, and a welcome break from the monotony of sheltering at home. "It was nice just to talk to someone else," she said.
Still, Wilson and renters across California face a precarious situation. Unemployment claims have surged this month and federal checks of $1,200 will not cover a single month's rent for many Angelenos.
Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom imposed a statewide moratorium on residential evictions related to COVID-19, through May 31 -- although renters can be evicted once that order lifts. In Los Angeles County, courts are largely closed until June 22, meaning eviction trials will not move forward before then.
Support for LAist comes from
Wilson isn't expecting a break from her landlord in the coming months. "We're just dollar signs to them," she said.
Still, she said hearing from Shawn Nee had bought her time and given her hope.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
- Your No-Panic Guide To Coronavirus In LA So Far
- Where To Get Financial Assistance, Food And Other Help
- Tracking The Spread Of COVID-19
- Have A Question? We Will Answer It
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletter for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Support for LAist comes from
Support our free, independent journalism today. Donate now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake. -
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
Best of LAist