Getting legal help for Franklin County tenants facing eviction
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Central Ohio continues to experience a housing crisis.
According to Columbus leaders, Franklin County saw a record-high number of eviction cases filed last year – more tenants were evicted than fit into Nationwide Arena and the city is on track to exceed that number in 2024.
According to city leaders, last year, Franklin County saw a record-high number of eviction cases filed- more tenants were evicted than fit into Nationwide Arena and we're on track to exceed that number in 2024.
More than 100,000 evictions were filed in Ohio last year, the most since 2015.
Watch: Getting legal help for Franklin County tenants facing eviction
A new study conducted by Stout and commissioned by Columbus City Council is revealing that investing in an access to counsel program could help tenants and generate savings for the city and its taxpayers.
Columbus City Councilmember Shayla Favor said the city found that an annual investment of $6.1 million could help 25% of all households facing eviction receive free legal representation.
"We're thinking about how we are bringing dignity to someone who is facing one of the most tumultuous times in their lives," Favor said.
The program would benefit people like William Patterson, who was facing eviction. He was notified through a sticker on his door. He said he knew he needed help, but didn't know who to turn to.
"I spoke to a lawyer and the lawyer said to me he charges $200 an hour," Patterson said. "I said, ‘Well, you know, I guess I'll be seen in another lifetime.’"
The study found that the program would result in at least an estimated $24.4 million in savings to the City of Columbus and Franklin County taxpayers, in costs related to homelessness, healthcare, and other social services.
"The reality is that all homelessness is not caused by evictions, but it is the leading cause for homelessness in our community," Favor said. "And so when we think about the costs that are associated with addressing homelessness, whether we're talking about rapid rehousing or emergency shelter, emergency sheltering alone in our community can be around $15,000 for an individual and a year."
Favor said the proposal would also help to address crime in the city, creating a safer and more stable community.
"Research shows that there is a higher correlation between those who have faced evictions in our community and homelessness and the rise of other types of crime," Favor said.
City leaders said having a lawyer in eviction court helps tenants in important ways like giving them more time to find a new home if they have to move.
“We know that when folks have representation in court that they are least likely to be evicted or they could face lesser fines that are associated with that conviction," Favor said.
Favor said there will be a public hearing on housing at City Hall in the coming months where they'll go into the details of the study.
"You pay now, or you even pay more later," Favor said. “Standing up a program that provides assistance and legal representation for those who are fighting evictions in our community, it helps to stabilize families. It helps to demonstrate our commitment to our housing providers, as well as our small business owners to make sure that they are whole at the end of the day."
The city already has some resources in place to help tenants facing eviction. Visit the Legal Aid Society of Columbus or https://www.housingforallcbus.com/.