An unhoused Philadelphia couple, Leland Brown Jr. and his partner, recently gained attention on social media when they showcased their unique living situation in a storage unit. However, their newfound online fame led to unexpected consequences, as the building’s management took action against them, resulting in their eviction. Despite the setback, the couple remains hopeful and is seeking support to secure a stable living situation for themselves and their 7-year-old son.
Leland Brown Jr. and his partner found themselves without a home and decided to make the most of their situation by turning a self-storage unit into a temporary living space. Their video, showcasing a comfortable setup complete with furniture and amenities, went viral on TikTok, garnering over 11 million views. Brown explained that their intention was to save money while working towards finding a more permanent home.
Unfortunately, the couple’s online popularity caught the attention of the storage unit’s management, leading to their eviction. In a video posted on January 19th, Brown shared the news with his followers, expressing his uncertainty about their next steps. However, a kind-hearted individual stepped in and arranged for the couple to stay in a hotel for a few days, providing them with some much-needed respite. “So we got kicked out of our storage unit. The higher-ups found out about my video and went so viral we ended up getting kicked out. Now we’re just trying to figure out where to go and what we’re going to do with all of our stuff,” Brown said in a video he posted on Jan. 19. In a follow-up clip he revealed,
“We’ll be staying at this hotel for a couple days for free,” Brown said in an update he gave on TikTok. “I’m just grateful that somebody is thinking of us like that on that level and willing to give us their resources like that. We’re gonna have a good time and relax for once.”
To overcome their current challenges and create a brighter future for their son, Brown and his partner set up a GoFundMe page with a goal of $10,000. The couple has already received over $2,700 in donations, demonstrating the compassion and generosity of strangers who empathize with their struggle. Brown emphasized that their journey is not just about financial assistance but about building stability and love for their family.
“Alongside my partner, we’re navigating a challenging journey to create a brighter future for my 7-year-old son who is currently living with his mom who is also struggling to make ends meet without my assistance,” Brown wrote on the GoFundMe page. “In the woods has been tough, but we’re doing everything we can to provide stability for my son and ourselves.”
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Living in a storage unit is generally illegal. Storage units are intended for the temporary storage of belongings and not as residential spaces. Most cities and municipalities have zoning laws and building codes that prohibit using storage units as living quarters. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, as storage units may lack proper ventilation, plumbing, and other essential facilities required for habitation. Additionally, storage facilities have rules and contracts that prohibit tenants from using their units as living spaces. Violating these rules can result in legal consequences and in Brown’s case, eviction.
Remaining Hopeful:
Despite the setbacks they have faced, Brown and his partner remain optimistic about the future. They envision transitioning from their current circumstances to a secure living situation, providing stability not only for themselves but also for their son. The support they receive through the GoFundMe campaign serves as an investment in their family’s future, allowing them to turn their dreams into a reality.
“With your help, we envision transitioning from the challenges of the woods to a secure living situation,” Brown added via GoFundMe. “Your contribution isn’t just a financial boost; it’s an investment in our family’s future. Together, we can turn our dreams into a reality and build a home filled with love and stability for our son.”