A federal employee in West Palm Beach, Florida, is confronting eviction proceedings after his apartment management company declined to grant him additional time to pay his rent during the recent government shutdown. Francisco Isern, who has dedicated two decades to the Army and currently works in IT for the Department of Veterans Affairs, was required to continue his duties despite the shutdown, as his role is deemed “mission critical.”
As the shutdown extended into its second month, Isern found himself unable to meet his rent payment for November, marking the first time in ten years that he missed a payment. In an attempt to communicate his predicament, he sent a letter to the property management company, explaining his situation as a federal worker facing financial strain due to the lack of pay. He requested extra time to settle his rent once he received his back pay.
“I think I have a fair reason why I’m not, you know? It’s out of my control,” Isern stated in an interview with a local news outlet.
Unfortunately, he did not receive a response until he was notified via text message that an eviction had been filed. The message indicated a total balance of $2,427.00, which included filing fees. Isern’s monthly rent is $1,750, but he expressed that the fees were not his primary concern. “It’s a serious business, you know? You put [an] eviction notice on my record. What are my chances of getting leased under my name after this?” he remarked.
Community Response to the Situation
The situation has drawn attention from local advocacy groups. Patrick Franklin, president and CEO of the Urban League of Palm Beach County, called Isern’s case “a travesty.” He lamented the lack of resources to assist federal workers facing similar challenges, stating that many of their emergency relief funds are tied to government funding. Franklin noted that while his organization has engaged with multiple federal workers struggling to cover their bills during the shutdown, none had yet faced eviction.
“Taxpaying Americans here in this country that are being affected all the way down the line, and for us not to have that knowledge to feel that? Shame on us,” Franklin added.
Attempts to reach the management company for comment on the eviction notice were unsuccessful. Isern expressed disappointment, stating, “I give respect and I expect respect back. And that was disrespectful on their part.”
Potential Resolution on the Horizon
With the shutdown now concluded and back pay anticipated, Isern is hopeful that he will not lose his home. However, he remains determined to remove the eviction filing from his record. “My name, my reputation is on the line, and they’re threatening my reputation right now,” he said.
Isern expects to receive his first missed paycheck early next week. The Urban League has offered to intervene and facilitate discussions with his landlord to resolve the matter.
This article was initially reported by Jamie Ostroff with the Scripps News Group in West Palm Beach and has been adapted for this platform. The editorial team ensures all reporting is verified for fairness and accuracy.
