Maricopa County Launches New Initiative to Prevent Evictions and Homelessness
As the threat of eviction looms over many residents, Maricopa County, in collaboration with the City of Phoenix, has unveiled a new program aimed at keeping people in their homes. The Eviction Diversion Pilot Program specifically targets Phoenix ZIP codes with the highest eviction cases, seeking sustainable ways to prevent homelessness.
Chair Kate Brophy McGee of District 3 highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting, “For three straight years, Maricopa County Justice Courts have processed more than 80,000 eviction filings. That’s 80,000 individuals or families on the brink of homelessness each year, at a time when that population is already high.” Inspired by a successful model in Texas, this initiative aims to offer “a hand up, not a hand out.”
This pilot program incorporates strategies from the Texas Eviction Diversion Program, which emphasizes collaboration among various stakeholders, such as courts, landlords, tenants, and community partners. Follow-ups with residents are also planned to ensure cases are resolved effectively.
Supervisor Steve Gallardo of District 5 spoke on the struggles faced by many, stating, “I hear it all the time: people are struggling to pay the bills, struggling to pay the rent, struggling just to keep their family fed and clothed.” The program aims to foster cooperation among all parties to find fair solutions to keep residents housed.
Key Components of the Program
- Collaboration with justice courts and participating landlords
- Early identification of households at risk of eviction
- Resource navigation and referral services for eligible residents
- Exploration of mediation and alternative resolution opportunities
- Data collection and program evaluation to assess long-term effectiveness and scalability
Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington emphasized the broader impact of evictions, saying, “An eviction doesn’t just disrupt housing — it can destabilize employment, education, health, and entire neighborhoods.” She praised the partnership with Maricopa County, noting that early intervention can preclude escalation, helping more residents remain safely housed.
The development of this pilot program is supported by Maricopa County’s tentative FY 2027 budget. Tamara Bridwell, Director of Maricopa County Human Services, commented, “Preventing avoidable evictions benefits families, communities, landlords, and the court system alike.” The initiative aims to explore solutions that bolster housing stability while ensuring fair outcomes for all involved.
Further information on participating partners, timelines, and evaluation metrics will be provided as it becomes available.
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