The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has amplified its Eviction Diversion Initiative (EDI), injecting over $2 million into 10 new jurisdictions in a bid to curb the surging eviction crisis across the nation, according to a press release.
"We are pleased to expand our eviction diversion efforts to such a diverse group," Laurie Givens, NCSC vice president for Court Consulting Services, said. "As we continue to see a marked increase in evictions following the pandemic, it becomes even more critically important that courts find ways to proactively connect landlords and tenants with the information and resources necessary to resolve their housing problems in the least harmful way. Eviction diversion programs help courts become points of connection for people in crisis, rather than places of last resort."
In response to the escalating eviction crisis across the United States, the NCSC has expanded its EDI to 10 additional jurisdictions. With a total investment of over $2 million, these jurisdictions are set to implement court-based eviction diversion programs aimed at mitigating the impacts of the ongoing housing challenges faced by many Americans.
Over the past year, the Eviction Diversion Initiative has proven its effectiveness in courts across states including Alaska, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Tennessee, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, according to a press release. These courts have utilized dedicated resources to establish community-driven eviction diversion programs, leading to solutions that have minimized the effects of eviction.
The latest group of jurisdictions joining the initiative are Colorado: Fourth Judicial District Court, Colorado Springs; Kansas: Douglas County Court, Lawrence; Kentucky: Jefferson County District Court, Louisville; Ohio: Akron Municipal Court; Oklahoma: Tulsa County District Court; Oregon: Clatsop County Circuit Court, Astoria; Tennessee: Shelby County General Sessions Court, Memphis; Texas: Harris County Precinct 1 & 2, Houston; Utah: Third District Court, Salt Lake City and Washington: Clark County Superior Court, Vancouver.
Wells Fargo, a key player in the initiative, has been instrumental in supporting this endeavor.
"At Wells Fargo, we believe access to a quality, affordable place to call home is something everyone should have. We are proud to provide this important grant to enhance the eviction judicial process and keep more people in their homes," Stacy Spann, head of housing access and affordability philanthropy at Wells Fargo, said.
