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Stop the eviction: 3 months of rent for Marlene's family in Paarl

A long illness left Marlene short on rent for 3 months; help us stay in our home.

🇿🇦 South Africa1,170 views
Marlene Mthembu
Email verified
Paarl
After a sudden layoff at the packaging plant, I fell 3 months behind on rent. Last Sunday a notice to vacate was taped to my door, and the amount I owe is $950. My landlord has been understanding for a while, but he has now been clear: if the arrears aren't cleared by October, we must leave. I have a teenager still in school at home. Moving isn't just an expense - it would mean new schools, a new commute and no deposit to put down anywhere else. I have started working night deliveries, and I'm applying for help from local services, but nothing will arrive in time without the rest of the gap covered here. The money will be paid directly to the landlord and I'll upload the receipt once it's done. Where the $950 goes: • Rent arrears (3 months): $560 • Late fees and court costs: $70 • Utilities in arrears: $65 • First month of rent as a buffer: $255 Please ask me anything in the questions section. I'll answer honestly and quickly.
due date
2026-10-07
bill type
Rent arrears

Updates from Marlene

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  • Anonymous 🇷🇺 · $100
  • Ming Liang Xiong 🇨🇦 · $100

    “All the best - Burnaby”

  • Bijay Pawan Limbu 🇳🇵 · $75
  • Anonymous 🇱🇰 · $75

    “You got this. Gave what I could this week. - Colombo”

  • İsmail Orhan Erdem 🇹🇷 · $75

    “I'm in İzmir, thinking of you.”

  • Reagan E. Thomas 🇬🇧 · $73
  • Anonymous 🇪🇬 · $53

    “Saw your post and had to give. - 6th of October City”

  • Harper C. Murray 🇦🇺 · $50
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  • Ruby Prescott 🇬🇧 · $50
  • Fatima Nimra Awan 🇵🇰 · $47

    “Good luck. Been where you're, it gets better. - Rawalpindi”

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  • Anonymous 🇮🇩 · $25
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  • Kwadwo Felix Ofori 🇬🇭 · $20

    “Wishing you the best. Gave what I could this week. - Ho”

  • Isabella C. Jensen 🇺🇸 · $20
  • Sade Idowu Okoro 🇳🇬 · $20

    “Keep your head up. Thought of Marlene all day after reading this. - Lagos”

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  • hope it all works out. Gave what I could, wish it was more. God bless.

    • I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Love from Multan.

      • Maya Winda HidayatPhoto verified

        I hope things turn around soon. My neighbor in Zapopan donated after I showed her your page. Blessings.

        • Is there anything that isn't money that would help Marlene?

          • Marlene MthembuOwnerAnswer

            Thank you. If you're in Paarl I'll say if something practical comes up. For now sharing this is great. Fair thing to want to know.

        • this could happen to any of us. I have a 9 year old who wants to send good wishes too. Thinking of Paarl.

          • How is Marlene doing now?

            • Thinking of you. Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes. Love from Stuttgart.

              • sending love. Shared this with my family. Don't be hard on yourself for asking. Take care

                • Hope this works out for you. Read this on the bus and kept thinking about it all day. God bless

                  • so sorry you're going through this, Marlene. Your post was clear and honest. Greetings from Busan.

                    • Wishing you the best. I was in a similar spot a few years ago and it did get better

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