Rodney Perkins

My name is Rodney Perkins, and I have lived in Pine Ridge Mobile Home Park in Linden, Michigan for five years. I moved here because it is out in the country, quiet and safe, and it is near my parents. 

Rodney takes a selfie in front of his garden. He is wearing a black baseball cap and a black shirt.

I have worked really hard on my home – inside and outside – and I’ve created my own little paradise. People in town will come up to me, “You’re the guy on the corner in Pine Ridge!” They see me all the time out in the yard and garden with flowers, sunflowers, and pumpkins.

I’ve had opportunities to move on, but I have passed on them. I like my home, and I need to be around to help my parents.

When Havenpark took over here, they raised the lot rent, added water and fees for garbage, sewer, and everything else they can think of. This year they raised the garbage fee twice in the first half of the year!

There’s only someone in the office sporadically, and you certainly can’t get a response from corporate. They’re just not empathetic, sympathetic, compassionate – any of those human things. 

I was sick for about eight weeks this summer, and when I got back to work, I was only getting 26 hours a week. I know I’m going to be late again with my lot rent because of when checks fall, but I can’t help it. And I know they’ll add on a $75 late fee. 

This used to be a reasonable place to live, but they’re making it not reasonable. And if it’s this hard for me, I really worry about the older folks who can’t go out and work when Havenpark keeps upping everything. That’s why we need to get together and take action.