Grab the Damn Wheel!

I can't believe I own this decrepit house.  To car planted on the right has a flat tire and has been in that position for two years.  We pride ourselves on taking care of our rentals and renters.  We have tried for 9 years to be kind to this couple.  For seven years we accepted rental payments, the rent paid in pieces across the month.  For the last two years the state of Maine has paid us for their rent.  Now they are living there for free as we pay the mortgage.  We have formally asked them to leave.  We need to repair the house. We need the rent paid.  I shouldn't feel badly, but we do.  We realize how lucky we are but my husband and I have sought resources and worked hard all our life.  His mother was an alcoholic.  Mine was mentally ill.  We both have thrived anyway.  We have both earned advanced degrees and taught at a university.  We both run a business while "retired."  We take care of ourselves, our lives, are kind and loving to friends and family and those in need.  On behalf of these people I anonymously called a woman at a homeless shelter because they had resources as described online which I thought might help this couple with their move.  The director who couldn't believe that I, the landlord, called, tried to ease my worry by telling me, "Look.  I work with these kind of people all the time.  The don't prioritize rent.  You've done a lot for them.  It's time for them to go find their way."  I must admit I felt relief whoosh around me.  She went on to say, "Yes, there is a housing challenge locally but tons of housing and help for alcoholics and drug addicts."  I sent the phone number for housing resources to the woman who lives and doesn't pay rent in my house.   She responded, "Wow.  A homeless shelter?"  She was indignant.  So there you go.  I spent twenty years working with the most challenged kids and frequently their families were equally challenged.  I care about those who struggle.  I help those who struggle.  I am grateful for all we have.  But as adults we are all responsible to take the damn wheel.  It will take over two months with us paying their rent (our mortgage), us paying an attorney (they get free legal advice), us paying for protecting their hoarder's stash for a week before we will have occupancy of the little green house again.  The house we own that they are living in for free.  They have been advised, legally, that they can stay until the sheriff escorts them off the property.  I pray for people like this.  For people like my catfishing-addicted sister.  For people that look for everybody else to pay their bills, their rent, give them vouchers, clean up after them. You have one life.  YOU are responsible for it.