By Phoenix Berry, member of the 2025 Housing Policy Ambassadors cohort

The feeling of loss is something we all experience, whether that’s losing an item, ourselves, or another. I first remember losing my housing when I was in elementary school. My family was evicted from our home due to a public nuisance violation after the police were called because my mother was attempting to flee her abusive partner. We lost everything from baby photos to toys to the cherished drawing from my mother.  

At the time, I didn’t understand why we had to leave.

I wish that people understood that eviction is more than just losing your current housing. My family, like many households who face eviction, experienced prolonged housing instability for years to come. We moved around so much that I never felt like someplace was home. Evictions became a normality in which I learned to navigate with ease as I once again had to move schools and say goodbye to friends. 

It felt like I couldn’t think about my future because I was so focused on surviving. 

These experiences were traumatic, but I know that I’m not alone in experiencing eviction as a child. Families with children are three times more likely to be evicted than other households and Black families with children face even higher rates of eviction. 

My experiences with housing instability are what have inspired me to become an advocate for myself and others. I worked as a Housing Outreach Organizer in Lexington and now I advocate for housing for all, including as part of Kentucky Youth Advocates’ Housing Policy Ambassadors cohort. 

Housing instability is way more common than people realize and not having housing, especially as a child, has a significant impact on your life. Everyone deserves a place to rest and dream.

There are many paths to ensuring the success for the people of Kentucky!

Two steps that Kentucky can take to reduce the harmful impact of eviction on children and families is: 

  • Sealing eviction filing that don’t result in an eviction
  • Prohibit minors from being named on an eviction

Call to Action: 

  • Learn more about House Bill 534, filed by Representative Susan Witten and Representative Stephanie Dietz, which would make common sense changes to the eviction process by expunging filings that do not result in an eviction and expunging any minor named in an eviction. 
  • Review the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children policy priority fact sheet.
  • Join KYA’s Housing Policy Ambassadors and other advocates by contacting your state Senator and Representative and ask them to support HB 534 to promote family housing stability.