DECATUR, Ga. — A Decatur mother is without a home this holiday season after falling on hard times.
Like most single mothers, Jaimie Godfrey, of Decatur, is just trying to make ends meet. This holiday, she said she had to break her daughter and son's heart.
"It's sad. I did have to explain to my kids that I won't be able to do Christmas this year because I'm stuck with car notes, my paycheck is getting garnished -- trying to pay for a place to stay is taking everything I got," she said.
Godfrey had a home, in Decatur. She signed a lease in August 2022. Godfrey said she was working two jobs but had to let one go to be there for her children. Then, her wages were being garnished due to a medical bill. Eventually, she said she fell behind on her rent and was up for eviction. It was one thing after another.
"The renters wanted to sell the property," Godfrey said. "And they gave us -- not even a good, two-week notice that we had to be out."
Realtor Whitney Hannah read over Godfrey's agreement.
"There was one section in the lease that I would, probably, not tell my clients to sign," Hannah said.
Hannah explained that the agreement basically said if Godfrey is ever late on rent, the lease automatically terminates.
"Realtors, we're in the business of contracts, so we read contracts, leases, agreements all the time," Hannah said. "I typically don't see that clause in the contract. Usually, there's some way for you to catch up on rain or something. It just doesn't automatically terminate. So, that was a little odd."
Godfrey said she decided to pay back-rent in the hopes of saving her home, but no luck. She's been without a home for months. And in the process of finding a new place, properties are denying her left and right due to the eviction and not being able to afford three times the rent.
"It's been a struggle," Godfrey said. "We've been hopping around from here to there, hotel to hotel."
While working full-time, Godfrey said she struggles with her children's school schedules.
"My child has to sit in the car, then I have to leave and go pick up the other one," Godfrey said. "And then, by that time, I have to leave and go find somewhere for us to sleep, every now and then."
Hannah said renters have to go through the eviction process in the court system, which may have given Godfrey more time to look for additional housing. She said most renters don't know their rights. Hannah suggests having an attorney or realtor look over the lease agreement so that you can ask questions later. All in all, she suggests renters slow down and do their research.
"I know you're excited to get the keys and everything, but you need to take your time," Hannah said. "Read through the entire contract, because once you sign, you sign."
11Alive reached out to Godfrey's property management multiple times, no response.
Hannah said there are second-chance programs for people like Godfrey. Home of Hope was suggested by another realtor.
For now, Godfrey said Blessing Bags of Warmth, a women's shelter, is helping her. She set up an online fundraiser here.