Overview
To better understand how eviction affects families with children, the Evicted in Oregon team conducted focus groups with 74 tenants from Baker, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington counties in Oregon. During focus group discussions, we asked participants whether they had children in the household at the time of eviction and how it impacted them. Parents’ reported that their children’s well-being was their main concern during the eviction process. They also described how eviction led to disruptions in their children’s education, health and medical treatments, and living arrangements.
Based on our findings, we provide a set of policy and program recommendations that could prevent eviction and support families facing eviction, including long-term rental assistance, expanding access to and awareness of existing resources, and tenant advocacy. Secure and stable housing environment is essential for healthy children's development; therefore, state and local agencies should continue to invest in programs that help people remain in their homes.
Key Findings
While facing eviction, parents’ biggest concern was for their children’s well-being. Parents expressed deep concern for their children upon receiving an eviction notice. They reported that their main goal when facing eviction was securing safe and stable living arrangements for their children. This created an added source of stress during the eviction process.
Eviction caused disruptions in children’s education and medical care. Some parents reported the experience of eviction negatively affected their children’s academic performance. Parents of children with disabilities also reported that their children’s medical care was adversely affected by the eviction process.
Eviction can cause temporary separation between parents and children. Some parents shared that they secured accommodations only for their children, and they had to find a different place to stay, resulting in the parents and children temporarily living apart. These parents typically relied on friends or family to house their children while the parents navigated the eviction process.
General Information
Researchers: Natalie J. Cholula, Dr. Alex Farrington, Dr. Lisa K. Bates, Dr. Marisa Zapata, Jacen Greene
Funding: Evicted in Oregon’s research is supported by Oregon Housing and Community Services Department, Portland Housing Bureau, and the technical assistance of Oregon Law Center. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of funders or technical assistance partners.
Citation Details: Cholula, Natalie J.; Farrington, Alex; Bates, Lisa K.; Zapata, Marisa; and Greene, Jacen. (2025). "'Where Will My Family Go?' The Financial, Housing, and Health Challenges of Families Facing Eviction." Evicted in Oregon. https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43142