Will County Implements Program To Help Residents Avoid Eviction
PLAINFIELD, IL — A Will County program to help residents avoid eviction is leaving the pilot phase and in the process of becoming a formal program, officials announced Wednesday.
The Court-Based Housing Stabilization Program, a joint effort between County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and 12th Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge Daniel Kennedy, was created ahead of the expiring Illinois eviction moratorium in October 2021 in an effort to mitigate COVID-19-related housing problems.
"Through this program, we are offering an avenue of support for those summoned to eviction court," Kennedy said in a statement. "The pilot project demonstrated the importance of connecting residents with housing assistance resources at this stage of the process."
Services offered will include connecting residents with local assistance programs, offering meditation services to resolve problems between tenants and landlords, and providing legal service to people who qualify, according to a news release.
Representatives of the program will be able to help people behind on rent as a result of COVID-19-related financial troubles by connecting them with the Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program. If unpaid homeowner association fees land residents in eviction court, they might also find assistance through the housing stabilization program.
As part of the Will County program, tenants and landlords can get assistance before attending an eviction court summons or appearing in court for a scheduled date. A judge can also connect people with a Will County Community Development Division representative for additional services if requested.
"This program has provided a critical resource for residents facing eviction and landlords facing financial hardship due to unpaid rent," Bertino-Tarrant said in a statement. "I appreciate the Circuit Court for working with us on this partnership aimed at keeping people in their homes."
Additional housing services can be found by visiting Will County's website.
This article originally appeared on the Plainfield Patch
