Eviction Stories & Steps

If you’re facing eviction - or want to better understand its impact - start here. Circles Cobb Executive Director Barbara Garner and Board Member and Ally Andrea TheoJohn introduce Eviction Stories & Steps, a video series offering practical information, helpful resources and real perspectives on eviction and housing instability. Learn why we created the series, what to expect and where to turn for help. You don’t have to figure out the next step alone.

Eviction can happen to anyone – and the reasons may not be what you think. Four Circles Cobb Circle Leaders share personal experiences with eviction and housing instability involving financial deception, fraud and unexpected life events. Their stories challenge assumptions about why eviction happens and reveal the complicated realities behind an eviction notice. If you’re facing eviction, you are not alone. These are real people. Real circumstances. Real stories.

An eviction rarely starts with a notice on the door. Missed rent, unexpected expenses or falling further behind can signal a housing crisis before it happens. Greg Hill and Autumn Sines discuss warning signs renters should watch for and why acting early can give you more time to communicate, find resources and understand your options. If you’re worried about making rent or facing eviction, you don’t have to wait for a crisis to seek help.

What happens once the eviction process begins – and how quickly do you need to act? Greg Hill and Autumn Sines explain the early stages, including demand letters, court filings, service of notice and response deadlines. They also discuss how a filing may affect your rental record and future housing. Understanding the process can help you recognize important deadlines and make informed decisions. This video is for educational purposes and is not legal advice.

Struggling to pay rent? Help may be available before an eviction escalates. Rodney Jones of RENTFLOW, and Autumn Sines, Executive Director of Family Promise of Cobb County, discuss where to look for rental assistance and community resources, including local and national organizations that support renters in crisis. They also share what to watch for when seeking help – including how to recognize and avoid rental assistance scams. Reaching out early may give you more options and time to act.

Eviction isn’t only a housing crisis – it can also take a serious emotional toll. Circles Cobb Executive Director Barbara Garner and Chris James discuss the mental health impact of eviction and housing instability on adults, children and families. They explore coping during a crisis, finding emotional and mental health support, and continuing the recovery process afterward. If you’re struggling, you are not alone – support and resources are available.

What can follow you after an eviction case is over? Circles Cobb Executive Director Barbara Garner continues the conversation with Greg Hill about collections, eviction judgments and the longer-term impact an eviction record may have. They discuss important differences between collections and eviction records, how they may affect future housing opportunities and why understanding what happens after an eviction matters.