Maricopa County launches program to help renters avoid eviction

Maricopa County officials are launching a new pilot program to help renters who have fallen behind on payments and are at risk of being evicted.

The program comes as eviction filings remain high across the county.

“For three straight years, Maricopa County Justice Courts have processed more than 80,000 eviction filings,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee said in an announcement.

The pilot program is modeled after the Texas Eviction Diversion Program, which focuses on early intervention and cooperation between courts, landlords, tenants and community partners.

“This pilot, modeled after a successful program in Texas, aims to address our eviction crisis head-on with interventions that are sustainable and effective,” Brophy McGee said. “They are a hand up, not a hand out.”

How will eviction diversion pilot program help renters in Maricopa County?

In simple terms, the program is meant to identify renters at risk of eviction earlier in the process and connect them with help before they lose their housing. Maricopa County is funding the effort, which is in partnership with the city of Phoenix.

The county plans to work with justice courts and participating landlords to explore mediation, alternative resolutions, referrals and other support services for eligible residents.

Officials will also collect data and follow up with residents to see whether cases are resolved and whether the program is effective long term.

Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington said preventing avoidable evictions benefits not only families, but entire communities.

“The data is clear: preventative measures such as eviction diversion are far more effective and cost-efficient than relying on after-the-fact interventions to address displacement and homelessness,” she said in the announcement.

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