Widow Wins House Makeover Not Knowing She'd Soon Be Evicted

Sep 17, 2020

Arlene Nickless's dreams had come true when in 2008 she appeared on the reality tv show Extreme Makeover and had her house renovated by professionals. Arlene had lost her husband and the renovation had been a positive thing in her life. But nine years after the renovation in 2017, Arlene had to turn in her house keys after being unable to keep up with the mortgage.

Arlene's husband Tim was a critical care nurse and while working, had contracted hepatitis C, which he later died from. This left Arlene to raise their three sons alone. Following this, her friends entered her onto the tv show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, knowing that Arlene and her kids could use a positive change in their environment.

The renovation proved to uplift the family's spirits and Arlene was able to stay on top of finances for a while. But years later as property taxes went up, Arlene felt that she could lose her home. Further unexpected emergencies only worsened Arlene's financial situation, prompting her to contact the mortgage company. After trying to work out a payment schedule, the company wasn't willing to give Arlene any leeway, causing her to have to plead for more time to make the payments.

But eventually, an eviction notice appeared in the mail. Despite appealing to a judge, Arlene's case was rejected by the legal system. Meanwhile, Arlene attempted to find alternative accommodation for her and her three sons. When eviction day came around, she scrambled to pack up everything she owned in time.

Arlene's neighbors were upset at the way things unfolded and the harshness of her eviction, from a home that they'd helped her renovate. Arlene discussed looking on the bright side, which was that all of the wonderful memories they'd had in the house could not be taken away from her family. 

Since then Arlene's story has gone viral, with a video detailing her and her family's plight receiving over 7 million views. People were sending their support in the form of comments on the video, discussing how the mortgage company didn't want to help because they wanted the house and that it's a "greedy housing market." Arlene might not have been supported by the system, but the people were behind her.

What's most tragic about Arlene's story is that it's not unique. This happens in America often, where the legal system offers little support for people like Arlene while prioritizing corporations. If only there could be a better way for the little person to be supported against such harsh conditions.

What did you think of Arlene's heartbreaking story? How do you think there could be more support for innocent people like Arlene and her family? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, then be sure to pass this on to those you know.