humanity

Squatters can be a thorn in homeowner's sides, especially when they're trying to sell a vacant properly. Typically, stories about squatters involve the police or homeowners attempting to get squatters out by force in some way. But, in many of these cases, there seems to be one piece missing from the equation: humanity. Cam Burke, a realtor and investor, has developed a tried and true strategy for getting squatters out of the vacant homes he's trying to sell—and it's based in kindness.

There have been reports of homeowners moving into the home with the squatters in an attempt to get them to leave. There have been stories about hiring someone to essentially make the squatters' lives miserable enough for them to vacate the premises. Burke's approach using kindness as a means to get unwanted guests out of his vacant houses is impressing those online.

Knocking on a wooden door in anticipation.Photo credit: Canva

The investor uploaded one of his interactions with squatters in a home he was planning to sell on social media and the approach was clearly different from the start. For instance, Burke didn't put the people clearly on camera. Instead, he films at a downward angle where only the person's lower half can be seen. He also appears to treat the people as if it's their home by seemingly knocking on the door and saying, "Hey, sorry to bother you," before asking if they're staying in the house.

In the foyer of the home you can see multiple trash bags filled with stuff and the shoes of the person who opened the door. When the people inside confirm that they are staying in the home, Burke kindly explains, "Here's the deal, we haven't bought these places yet, and so I'm not gonna kick you out but we do need to come through. The buyers are going to be buying these in the next month or so."

It appears that the woman living inside the vacant home planned to be cooperative as she apologizes for being there. The exchange between Burke and the woman on camera was brief. Between him and his partner, they explained that she didn't have to leave right that second, but that she would need to be out of the home in the next month or so. It ended with Burke trying to help the woman find a shelter that she could stay in after she leaves the house, saying that his friend owns a nonprofit shelter that he would be willing to put the squatters in contact with.

Viewers appreciated Burke seeing the humanity in the squatters, with one person commenting, "Look I'm not ever on the side of squatters but the way you handled this difficult situation was top tier. As a woman who was homeless a while back, I get her fear of the shelter. Some of them are really bad and even more unsafe than the streets for women."

Reflective moments in a shared space.Photo credit: Canva

Someone else writes, "Squatters are squatting because a lot of shelters are underfunded and closed down. these are humans who just need a roof over their heads. its their first time living too."

Another person gets emotional, writing, "Tears in my eyes because you remembered at the end of the day they’re humans down on their luck. Treating them the way Jesus would want you to."

"Thanks for treating them like people. I think there are some good squatters that have no other way of finding a place so they go to squatting," one person shares.

Reflection in shared space.Photo credit: Canva

"See, they wouldn’t have been THAT open and honest if just you came in berating them. This is perfect, I love the way you handle this," another writes.

Squatters are people, too. Oftentimes people get so caught up in the frustration of it all that they forget to take the time to see them as people. Burke really sets the example of how well things can go when speaking to squatters, and people in general, with respect.