Setting the Record Straight: Our Response to “Kindness” Between Friends

A Response to “Kindness” Between Friends:

In their recent post, Kindness Between Friends makes sweeping accusations and paints themselves as the victim of a supposed smear campaign by former clients. But let’s get real—when numerous individuals, veteran groups, and organizations in Bucks County are all voicing concerns about their practices, it’s not just one person. They’re trying to shift the blame from themselves, but the reality is clear: they’ve created these enemies through a pattern of exploitation and dishonesty.

Repeatedly Shifting Blame:
First, they blamed one evicted tenant for spreading allegations; now, it’s another. When you have this many people speaking out, maybe it’s time to reflect instead of deflect. The truth is, all of these individuals are likely pushing back because they’ve been mistreated.

Question:
What if you saw several people speaking out against an organization, all sharing similar stories of mistreatment, and each time the organization just blamed another person? Wouldn’t you start to wonder if the organization might be the problem?

Despite Kindness Between Friends claiming to uphold client anonymity, they previously released the court records of a former tenant who left a negative review online earlier this year—violating their own confidentiality agreement, as well as the location of their “safe house” and exposing sensitive information. They appear to respect anonymity only when it serves their financial interests, revealing individuals’ identities whenever it benefits them instead.

This screenshot demonstrates how Kindness Between Friends selectively disregards client anonymity when it serves their interests. We’ve blocked out the person’s name here, as we actually respect and uphold client confidentiality.

Misleading Donation Practices and Questionable Use of Funds
While Kindness Between Friends claims they don’t distribute cash donations directly, they do publicly solicit funds to cover specific expenses—like medical bills, rent, or other urgent needs—through platforms like Venmo and PayPal. Yet, several individuals have reported that, despite these donation drives, their bills went unpaid. This raises serious questions about the organization’s transparency and honesty. If they’re collecting cash donations under the pretense of helping people cover critical expenses but not actually paying those bills, it’s more than misleading—it’s potentially fraudulent and an abuse of donors’ trust. This pattern, along with their actions toward tenants, suggests a troubling approach to handling funds and a need for accountability across all aspects of their operations.

Question:
Imagine reaching out for help with medical bills, seeing your story posted with dozens of comments from donors promising assistance, but when you follow up, you’re told no money came in and are met with silence. How would you feel knowing others believed they’d helped you, yet you’re left with nothing?

Illegal Fees and Eviction Tactics:
Reports indicate that Kindness Between Friends has charged tenants illegal fees—like a $50 daily late fee not mentioned in leases—and has evicted people without due process.

Under the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, specific provisions outline that any alterations to a lease, including additional fees, must be agreed upon in writing by both parties. This statute, codified under 68 P.S. § 250.203, specifies:

• • • Section 203: “Assignment, Grant and Surrender of Leases to be in Writing; Exception.” This mandates that any lease agreements, particularly for terms exceeding three years, must be in writing and duly signed. Furthermore, any changes to the lease terms—such as fees, rent adjustments, or obligations—must be mutually agreed upon in writing to ensure enforceability.

Additionally, 68 P.S. § 250.501(b) clarifies that landlords cannot unilaterally alter lease terms mid-term. This means any fees or penalties added without tenant consent in writing would not be legally binding, safeguarding tenants from unauthorized or unexpected financial burdens.

These statutes protect tenants from landlords who might seek to retroactively or unilaterally impose additional terms that were not disclosed at the lease signing.

The current tenant has not stopped paying rent (we confirmed the reciepts) but has refused to pay over $5,000 in unlawful fees, including costs for structural repairs needed long before he moved in.

Two independent roofing contractors have confirmed that the tenant is being wrongly held responsible for this pre-existing structural damage.

In response, Kindness Between Friends gave him only 15 days to vacate—an unreasonable demand, especially given the current housing crisis. When questioned by police, the organization reportedly suggested the tenant could simply “check into a hotel with his two small children.”

They even shut off utilities for a current tenant, which is both illegal and a violation of tenant rights, prompting that tenant to file a police report. This isn’t helping people; it’s predatory behavior.

Question:
What if your mortgage company not only retroactively imposed a $50 daily late fee on past payments but also billed you $5,000 in unrelated repair fees, verified by independent contractors as not your responsibility? They demand you pay these fees within 15 days, threatening to forcibly remove and lock you out if you refuse, regardless of legality. This exact scenario happened here, with documented emails confirming the abuse.

To make matters even worse, the tenant directly spoke with the contractors who repaired the structural damage, and they quoted him $700 for the repair. When the tenant asked the landlord in an email about the cost, the landlord claimed it was $2,300. Upon requesting a receipt, the landlord refused and later informed the tenant via text that they instructed the contractor not to communicate with him. Despite the tenant already paying a security deposit intended to cover damages, the landlord is now insisting he, along with his insurance company, pay this inflated amount, seemingly unaware that the tenant had already confirmed the real cost with the contractors.

Questionable Financial Practices:
While they claim to fundraise for client needs, many former tenants say they received little or no direct assistance. Meanwhile, Kindness Between Friends benefits from donations under the pretense of charity. Where is the transparency?

Empty Accusations of Hacking and Identity Theft:
The organization claims hacking and theft without providing any evidence. Registering a business name or website is a protected legal right, and publicly available information on board members is just that—public. These accusations are nothing more than attempts to discredit people raising legitimate concerns.

And finally, their post included an image that says, “When you destroy someone’s life with lies, take it as a loan; it will come back with interest.” The irony is almost too rich. This is exactly what Kindness Between Friends appears to do—destroy lives through misleading claims and harmful actions. It’s no wonder they’ve amassed so many people speaking out against them. When you operate in such a manner, it’s only a matter of time before the truth surfaces, and the community demands accountability.

Kindness Between Friends, it’s time to address these issues openly. Until then, the voices of those you’ve wronged will only grow louder.