Access to affordable housing is a crisis we’ve been hearing about for a long time now. Whether it be the rising cost of purchasing a home or even the rising cost of rent, secure housing in urban centers in particular is becoming more and more elusive.
Why an Elderly Woman Was Asked to Leave Her Own Home
Linda Taylor, a 70-year-old grandmother of nine from Minneapolis, had lived in the same house for twenty years. Unfortunately, during that time she had fallen victim to some back luck and some predatory practices. First, she had been tricked into signing the house over to its previous owners after falling behind on mortgage payments in 2004. These owners “generously” agreed to rent to her -- without rent control!
RELATED: Cop Pulls Distraught Elderly Man Over For Speeding – Has The Best Response When He Hears His Story
They raised rent over and over again until it reached $1,400, making it almost impossible for her to afford even during the best economic times. Then, the pandemic hit and Linda lost her job. The new landlord (the previous owners had lost the house after being caught in a mortgage fraud scheme) proposed that Linda buy the house, which was listed for $299,000. Otherwise, he was going to evict her.
How an Elderly Woman’s Neighbors Stepped in to Save the Day
After hearing about Linda’s bad luck and getting wind of the fact that she may have to leave the area, her Minneapolis neighbors decided to do something to help. One of her neighborhood friends turned out to be housing rights organizer 41-year-old Andrew Fahlstrom. She explained that she had reached out to social services and applied for grants and other programs to try and keep her home, but she was unlucky.
Andrew gathered their community together, writing a letter to the landlord and requesting that he postpone eviction and negotiate with Linda so that she would be able to stay in the house. 400 members of the community signed the letter -- the pressure was on!
I knew my neighbors loved me, but I didn’t know how much.
Linda Taylor
How Love and Generosity From a Community Saved a Woman’s Home
The landlord acted quickly when he got the letter from Linda’s neighbors. He postponed her eviction and lowered the price of the house to $250,000, hoping that his tenant would find a way to get the money. Being unemployed, it still seemed out of reach for Linda. Her neighbors had other plans. They kicked off fundraising efforts, including a block party, an art show, and an online fundraising campaign.
RELATED: UPS Store Owner Realizes Something Is Wrong When 80-Year-Old Tries To Ship A Suspicious Package
Additionally, the local church pitched in, donating $200,000 to her cause. The community was able to raise $275,000 by the time eviction day rolled around, enough for Linda to buy the home and make necessary repairs.
When it’s yours, it gives you a different type of feeling. I’m safe, I’m secure, and I have a home.
Linda Taylor
If not for the activism of her community, Linda Taylor would be homeless. Luckily, her community had her back. Now, her five children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren have a place to make memories.
Linda’s legacy is kindness and she was happy to know that her legacy is shared by those around her. We should all strive to make our communities safer and more accessible.
More Uplifting News from Goalcast:
- Struggling Elderly Man Desperately Needing a Home Has Life Changed by His Neighbor
- 7-Year-Old Boy Visits Elderly Neighbor Five Times a Day - For a Very Special Reason
- Waiter Causes Elderly Customer to Break Down in Tears in Heartwarming Viral Video
- 74-Year-Old Woman Stands by the Highway Every Day and Waves - For a Very Special Reason
Woman holding her child's clothing.Marla Branyan / @marla_branyan
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.