City of Phoenix approves additional funds for eviction relief services

PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix has approved an additional $465,000 for legal services for those facing the threat of eviction.

The city council’s action authorizes the city to enter into a contract with Community Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm. The law firm provides a variety of legal information and services for free to those otherwise be able afford it.

“It’s very confusing right now with the eviction moratorium and what the are rules, we want people to be able to stay in their housing and understand what their options are,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

As COVID-19 infection rates continue to surge, Gallego believes keeping families and individuals safely housed is as much a public health issue as it is an economic one.

According to research published by the Harvard Law Review, tenants who have legal representation are much more likely to stay in their homes than those who attempt to represent themselves.

In 2020, the city of Phoenix allocated more than one million dollars towards their partnership with Community Legal Services.

In conjunction with the federal government, the city will roll out an additional $51 million to help residents pay their mortgages and rent.

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