‘We’ve achieved a miracle’: This Nevada family managed to stave off eviction by raising thousands of dollars — how they did it and why others are turning to the same method in droves

“But [the debt] just kept building, we weren't able to catch up,” Michelle told Newsweek, noting that their landlord was very understanding and empathetic toward their situation.

Michelle’s chronic health issues meant Ken has been the main breadwinner for the family for years, however he ended up getting laid off from his job in commercial HVAC in February. The family’s landlord asked them to either pay off their back rent balance of $10,000 by June 30 or face eviction on July 1.

The Laus turned to an unconventional option to help them raise money — GoFundMe, a popular crowdfunding platform that has reportedly seen a 40% spike in eviction fundraisers this year compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Sunbelt cities are seeing eviction rates soar

Eviction filings over the past year in some Sunbelt cities are up 35% or more compared with pre-COVID levels, according to the most recent data from the Eviction Lab.

In Las Vegas, where the Laus live, eviction filings have soared by 43%.

Part of the issue is increasing rental rates — a recent report from Zillow reveals the typical renter would now need to make nearly $80,000 a year to spend no more than 30% of their income on rent at the average asking price these days. That’s 36% more than they would have required back in 2019 ($58,692).

The other problem occurs when a household experiences a major financial setback, like a loss in income or a medical emergency, that leads them to fall behind on rent.

The Laus say they’ve experienced a string of financial setbacks, including their daughter needing oral surgery, which cost them around $500, and their car getting repossessed.