EVICTION PREVENTION

Enhance & expand existing eviction prevention and diversion programs and services, such as regional clinics and mitigation funds, to prevent displacement of tenants who are facing eviction

BUILD COMMUNITY WEALTH AND PROTECT HOUSEHOLDS FROM HOUSING DISCRIMINATION, DISPLACEMENT, AND DISASTER

Eviction Prevention

Partner with a vetted legal institution boasting a regional presence (e.g., Legal Aid of NC) to enhance/deliver eviction prevention, diversion programs and services to educate and support tenants facing displacement. These prevention clinics can provide information on topics including tenant rights, and whether a dwelling is covered under the CARES Act. Clinics may also offer direct services, such as flexible “mitigation” funds that provide short-term financial assistance for tenants who are facing eviction because they have missed rental payments. This promising strategy requires investment in:

  • Labor and direct costs to operate an eviction clinic
  • Flexible fund to cover emergency expenses for tenants

Evaluation of Promising Strategy in Initial Target Regions

Learn more about the Investment Map’s selection of Initial Target Regions.

There are 4 Legal Aid of NC offices in the region that cover all 12 counties. These offices are located in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Durham, and Pittsboro.

The region lacks sufficient eviction prevention clinics to prevent/mitigate evictions and prevent displacements.

Greensboro and Winston-Salem’s eviction rates rank among the highest in the nation.

  • Legal partner identified. Metric = research, vetting, and partnership agreement complete.

  • Eviction prevention and diversion clinic developed and launched. Metric = # of clinics per year. Metric = # tenants served per year.

  • Mitigation fund established. Metric = fund management system in place. Metric = total $ in fund.

  • Tenants utilize mitigation funds. Metric = # of tenants utilizing mitigation funds. Metric = total mitigation fund $ used per year.

  • Tenants avoid eviction. Metric = % change in eviction rate.

At the statewide level, there is an Eviction Prevention and Rent Relief program through the NC Department of Public Safety’s Office of Recovery & Resiliency.

At the regional level, three Legal Aid of NC offices–Asheville, Foothills, and Smoky Mountain–are providing coverage for all 18 counties in the region. Pisgah Legal Services also covers all 18 counties and provides legal aid to prevent eviction and foreclosure, including at mobile home parks.

The region lacks sufficient eviction prevention clinics to prevent/mitigate all of the evictions and displacements.

  • Legal partner identified. Metric = research, vetting, and partnership agreement complete.

  • Eviction prevention and diversion clinic developed and launched. Metric = # of clinics per year. Metric = # tenants served per year.

  • Mitigation fund established. Metric = fund management system in place. Metric = total $ in fund.

  • Tenants utilize mitigation funds. Metric = # of tenants utilizing mitigation funds. Metric = total mitigation fund $ used per year.

  • Tenants avoid eviction. Metric = % change in eviction rate.