County, Non-profits Join Forces To Stem Wave Of Evictions

WEST CHESTER, PA —A moratorium on evictions in Pennsylvania expires Aug. 31, and a pilot program for a special eviction court in Chester County aims to prevent evictions related to the pandemic and associated unemployment.

Learning from other successful eviction court models, the Friends Association will spearhead the Eviction Prevention Court initiative beginning on Sept. 1, working with District Judge Jeffrey Valocchi in Magisterial District Court 15-4-02.

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," he said. "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."

Jennifer Lopez, Executive Director of Friends Association, initiated the collaborative response to the eviction crisis. The Eviction Prevention Court (EPC) Pilot program will address the devastating impact evictions have on vulnerable populations.

The pilot program will be rolled out in phases throughout the county, pending the initial outcomes. "We hope to be in three of 17 Chester County districts during the initial 12 months," said Lopez.

"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," said Lopez.

Early in July, Gov. Tom Wolf established a moratorium on evictions to last until Aug. 31, in response to the coronavirus pandemic and related high unemployment.

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 Friends Association said, "Chester County will be facing a wave of evictions, placing an enormous burden on social service agencies and the community at large."

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, President and CEO of the United Way of Chester County.

"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."

"We will use some of our total funding to provide rental subsidies that will help prevent evictions and keep individuals and families in their homes when possible. This will be the first program in our county to combine legal representation, rental assistance and connections to social service agencies for ongoing support," the Friends Association said.

Studies have repeatedly shown the benefits of investment in homelessness prevention programs with estimates that the community saves $12 for every $1 of investment, according to Friends Association.

Within the first 12 months, program advocates hope to see EPC expand into the areas of most need in Chester County.

"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," said Yolanda Van de Krol, Chester County Clerk of Courts.

Working throughout Chester County, Friends Association has a mission of strengthening the 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.