Friends Assoc. to pilot an Eviction Prevention Court

The Associated Press projects that 28 million renters are at risk of eviction because of the financial impact of COVID-19. Tenant advocates expect numbers to increase significantly unless protections are put in place. The moratorium on evictions is set to be lifted in Pennsylvania on August 31, 2020.  Based on high unemployment rates, Chester County will be facing a wave of evictions, placing an enormous burden on social service agencies and the community at large.

Jennifer Lopez, Executive Director of Friends Association, has initiated a collaborative response to the eviction crisis-an Eviction Prevention Court (EPC) Pilot program that will address the devastating impact evictions have on vulnerable populations.  “Having a safe place to call home is one of the most essential elements of society. No program in Chester County currently provides both financial assistance and legal representation to prevent evictions. Working together with landlords and tenants in crafting solutions we will enhance the stability of not only households facing eviction, but also the community as a whole.”

Learning from other successful eviction court models, Friends will spearhead this initiative beginning on September 1st at Magisterial District Court 15-4-02. The Honorable Judge Valocchi has agreed to implement the pilot in hopes that a collaborative process will provide community-wide benefits:  “Given the hardships the pandemic has wreaked upon tenants as well as landlords, this program will go far in assisting all parties especially through the difficult period of transition following the expiration of current Directives and Orders regarding evictions. The Downingtown Court is more than happy to assist in being the pilot on such a worthwhile program in assisting the citizens of Chester County”.

Initial funding has been secured through the United Way of Chester County but Friends seeks additional partners looking to make a substantial impact in the community.

“The United Way of Chester County is proud to partner with Friends Association on this important, new and innovative initiative,” says Chris Saello.  “We believe that, together, we can rebuild our community even stronger than it was before and assisting community members with homelessness prevention just makes sense – moral, financial and practical sense. We fight for the financial stability of every person in Chester County and we applaud Friends Association for this targeted approach to help those in our community that need it most.”

Studies have repeatedly shown the benefits of investment in homelessness prevention programs with estimates of $12+ of community savings gained for every $1 of investment.  The EPC program will roll out county-wide in a phased process pending outcomes.  Within the first 12 months, we hope to see the program expand into the areas of most need in Chester County.  According to Yolanda Van de Krol, Chester County Clerk of Courts, “This is a win-win-win-win: a win for tenants, a win for landlords, a win for taxpayers, and a win for the courts.”

Working throughout Chester County, Friends Association strengthens our community by providing programs and services that prevent homelessness and promote the independence of families with children.  For more information or to support the county’s first Eviction Prevention Court, please visit www.friendsassoc.org.

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