The Cost of Eviction

On Feb. 29, 2024, Drexel Mack, 41, started his “Leap Day” of work just like he had every other day for more than 12 years. A civil process server in Jackson County, Missouri, Mack, like so many others in his position, had a duty that day that he dreaded: serving an eviction notice.

After a year-long process with the courts, Mack had to serve a 68-year-old man with his final eviction notice. Due to unpaid taxes, the elderly resident of Independence, Mo., was facing losing his home. Mack was supported by the Independence Police Department (IPD) in his duty that day.

Mack and his civil process server partner, along with accompanying IPD officers, had been to the home of Larry Acree before that day. They made sure the home was secure, reports noted. They followed the proper protocol. After knocking at the door and receiving no response, the team announced its presence. Still, no answer was heard, all according to authorities.

Locks were then removed from the front door of the home, allowing Mack to enter the home. There, he was met with gunfire. After Mack was shot, Independence Police Officer Cody Allen made a heroic choice: He attempted to move Mack from the property and save his life, reports said.

But in doing so, Allen too was shot and killed. Both men died that day. Two other officers were also shot by Acree during the eviction process, but are expected to recover from their injuries, according to authorities.

Allen, 35, was a six year member of the IPD, and had worked in law enforcement for 15 years prior to joining the local force. He was survived by a wife and two children.

And why? Because of an eviction.

Evictions Hit Home

The same trend that cost Mack and Allen their lives is seen here, right in our hometowns.

The unfortunate figure continues to grow in Sarasota County, Florida. In 2020, there were 539. In 2021, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office recorded 671. In 2022, the number jumped again to 717. Estimates for 2023 set the statistic at 850.

That figure is the number of evictions filed within the county each year. That is 850 families displaced last year due to eviction. Something had to be done.

What the United Way of South Sarasota County Is Doing to Help?

The United Way of South Sarasota County saw the need to help those residents, facing potential eviction, not to mention the authorities charged with serving them. To combat the struggle, we created a direct service program known as “SHIELD,” standing for the “Supporting Housing Initiative: Eviction, Lifeline, Diversion,” the program went into effect in 2023.

What Is SHIELD?

All officers in the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office civil unit are now equipped with a phone number. This may sound like a small change, but the support the number represents is immense. What some on the force refer to as “The Bat Phone,” offers a helping hand to anyone facing eviction.

Civil service officers that are required by law to serve eviction notices can now offer to give the line a call on behalf of the potential evictees. From there, a team of professionals can be put into motion to assist those in need.

Civil unit officers ask the evictee if they’d like help. If so, they make the call on their behalf. The call is received by the United Way SSC, which has the resources that can help.

From legal representation, which can make calls and ask for delays in the court process, to immediate housing or support for a displaced family, the SHIELD program gives the one thing both sides need: HOPE!

The United Way SSC handles the calls and texts to the “Bat Phone.” A text or call is all it takes, and, from there, United Way staff goes into action. A member of the United Way team reaches out immediately, first to the tenant themselves to ask what immediate assistance they can provide to assist in this difficult time.

From referral services for housing, to workforce development, to a specialized focus on veterans facing eviction, the United Way has created a “toolbox” of helpful materials, referral agencies, and assistance to put help into the hands of evicted persons immediately. Those helped by the program have already encompassed a large variety of situations, from elderly persons on fixed income whose rents were raised, to single mothers trying to juggle costs all alone, to even veteran and active duty military members who were too humble to ask for help, the United Way of South Sarasota County is happy to report that help is available for those of all ages, backgrounds, and needs.

With competent, accurate legal counsel at your side, the local United Way provides a rapid response, direct service to the community. There is hope. They are here. Reach out to the United Way.

How You Can Support SHIELD

If you or a loved one are facing a potential eviction, or you need help navigating the confusing waters of the process, please call 941-484-4811.

To help prevent hard-working families in our area remain in their homes, prevent evictions, and decrease the homeless population, please consider giving directly to the SHIELD program at https://www.mygiving.net/donate/evictionprevention.

Focused on a three-prong approach, United Way uses funds to 1. provide immediate assistance to those in the eviction process through legal assistance, 2. Assist any in need of workplace development in order to provide employment or improved job aspects, and 3. To provide long-term affordable housing throughout the area.

Please donate to this very important cause. Do not let the sacrifices of dedicated employees like Mack and Allen happen again. Arm our deputies with the tools they need to lend a helping hand through the United Way of South Sarasota County.

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