PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 Maricopa County has partnered with the City of Phoenix to offer relief to residents at risk of eviction. <\/p>\n
The Eviction Prevention Pilot Program will use its $800,000 in funding to provide qualified residents with up to $3,200 to pay for up to two months of rental arrears. 100% of the program\u2019s funding goes toward rent.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe purpose of this pilot is to identify a potential eviction case early on, thus avoiding late fees and legal fees for both parties,\u201d said Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3. \u201cMany Maricopa County residents dedicate most of their monthly income directly towards their rent. When an accident happens, they are forced to redirect their limited funds, leaving them with no way to pay for the roof over their heads.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program is eligible for residents in four high-risk zip codes, which are predominantly in District 5:<\/p>\n
\u201cDistrict 5 has some of the highest eviction rates in Maricopa County, so for my constituents to be an emphasis for this pilot program ensures meaningful outcomes will occur for families who need it most,\u201d said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5.<\/p>\n
The program is not only to help renters but property owners as well. <\/p>\n
\u201cToo many households in our hardest hit neighborhoods live one emergency away from losing their home,\u201d Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington said. \u201cI am grateful for our partnership with the County to implement a pilot that will direct help where it is needed most and that will pair assistance with follow-up support, so families aren\u2019t left on their own after the rent is paid. Additionally, most property owners want resolution, not eviction. This pilot invites owners to partner with residents and the courts to resolve the issue swiftly and keep households housed. Together, we can reduce costs, reduce eviction filings, and deliver the stability that benefits families, owners, and our neighborhoods alike.\u201d<\/p>\n
To qualify for the program, residents must provide proof of lawful presence and documentation that supports a financial hardship. The property owner must provide documentation of the rental agreement, a tenant ledger, W9 and other forms; and must agree that payment received fully satisfies the rental arrears.<\/p>\n
To check eligibility and to find the online application, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it<\/a>.<\/p>\n