Eviction Diversion

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Eviction Diversion

Richmond, Virginia has the second-highest eviction rate in the United States, at 11.44%. Due to a legacy of redlining and other discriminatory housing practices, eviction in Richmond disproportionately impacts people and neighborhoods of color. This crisis has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Richmond experiencing a 50% increase in homelessness since the beginning of 2020. Eviction has downstream impacts; families experiencing eviction often cannot find affordable housing (landlords are reluctant to rent to those who have been evicted from other homes), individuals have a harder time finding and keeping employment when they don’t have a permanent residence, and children experiencing eviction often struggle to keep up in school. For those in need of housing assistance, the justice gap continues to grow.

The Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) seeks to address this crisis. Officially launched in October 2019, EDP operates as a partnership among GRBF, Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation (SCDHC), and the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society (CVLAS). EDP prevents eviction by connecting volunteer conciliators to eligible unlawful detainer cases filed in the Richmond General District Court. Our volunteers serve as Third Party Neutrals by facilitating payment plans that help keep people in their homes and allowing landlords to get their back rent paid. Additionally, EDP connects tenants to financial assistance and financial literacy education, helping them avoid unlawful detainer judgments and to stay afloat in the future. Win-Win.

Since the program’s inception, our volunteers have successfully prevented hundreds of evictions in the City of Richmond. GRBF provides the necessary training and support for volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and law students to get involved.

For lawyers, law students, and paralegals interested in learning more about EDP or volunteering, please reach out to Alexandra Clayton, Program Manager, at edp@grbf.org.

If you are an individual facing eviction, please visit www.rvaevictions.com or call the Eviction Legal Helpline at 833-NoEvict (833-663-8428). If you are a landlord or tenant in need of rent assistance, visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov/rmrp to determine your eligibility for the Virginia Rent Relief Program.
From Eviction Lab

11.44 %
Richmond’s eviction rate
2 nd
Richmond, Virginia has the second-highest eviction rate in the country
5
Five of the top ten cities in the U.S. with the highest eviction rates are located in Virginia
1 %
(Richmond’s eviction rate)
1 nd
Richmond, Virginia has the second-highest eviction rate in the country
1
Five of the top ten cities in the U.S. with the highest eviction rates are located in Virginia
From HOME’s annual report

Over 700 evictions diverted in the last fiscal year (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021)

“She said that moving forward, she would use her newfound budgeting skills to become more financially stable...if it wasn’t for (EDP), she would not be still living in her apartment today.”
“HOME Housing Stability Specialist describing an EDP client.”

Testimonials

From the Volunteers

“A few hours of pro bono work can be life changing. All you need is a willingness to get involved and GRBF will provide the tools to help you be successful. There is nothing more rewarding than helping a family remain in their home.”

Chris Keegan

EDP volunteer
“It’s really important to understand the issues of the people that you are helping. It gives you the opportunity to be compassionate and to see in real time how you are changing people’s lives. When you are underwater and you are facing homelessness, it is the biggest relief to have assistance, and I know that at a personal level. I know what that feels like. Getting to deliver that news and getting to facilitate that process is really important to me.”

Dorie Arthur

EDP volunteer
“(Pro bono service) is one of the best ways to feel connected to the legal community and learn new skills.”

Sarah Warner

EDP volunteer and program champion
“It was a very fulfilling moment for me to serve in this capacity. I could tell the tenant felt a sense of relief and appreciation after learning about EDP and the resources available to help her overcome her hardship...This experience also opened my eyes and heart to a new cause of action: preventing evictions. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this remarkable effort."

Shavala Mitchell

EDP volunteer
Greater Richmond Bar Foundation
Virginia Law

The Eviction Diversion Program is financially assisted by a generous grant from the Virginia Law Foundation. The Virginia Law Foundation promotes through philanthropy the rule of law, access to Justice, and law-related education.

In addition, EDP receives generous support from Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation, an agency whose mission is to use a holistic approach to create viable. thriving and sustainable communities.

GRBF does not provide services for individuals, but these resources can help.