LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A first-of-its-kind eviction diversion program that has helped keep Las Vegas residents in their homes will expand to more areas of Southern Nevada starting Monday.
The Nevada Eviction Diversion Program will open to seniors age 62 or older and those receiving Social Security benefits due to a disability in Henderson and North Las Vegas Justice Courts. The program was previously available only in Las Vegas Justice Court in Southern Nevada.
Randy Ward, a grandmother and retired Clark County School District bus driver, used the pilot program in 2024 after falling behind on rent and receiving an eviction notice.
“I worked for the school district for about 18 years. Being disabled and not working, that made it real hard for me. And I ended up falling behind,” Ward said.
Ward said she was worried about becoming homeless.
“I’m like… what am I gonna do? I did a lot of praying,” she said. “Went to court— the girl at the window says, you’re on social security? We have a new diversion program.”
With help from Legal Aid, Ward turned to the eviction diversion program originally launched as a pilot program in Las Vegas Justice Court.
“It was a big blessing. It opened up plenty of doors for me,” Ward said.
Once Ward received aid for rent, social services continued working with her to help her find a better job and connect to affordable housing based on her income.
Jonathan Norman with the Nevada Coalition of Legal Service Providers said the state files about 85,000 evictions annually.
“The success of eviction diversion programs, I think, has shown within the last two years,” Norman said.
Due to the pilot program’s success, state lawmakers appropriated millions of dollars during the 2025 legislative session to expand it, including $15 million for Clark County.
Under the program, a Legal Aid Center lawyer will represent eligible tenants facing eviction. Eligible tenants and landlords will receive rental assistance while working with Clark County Social Services.
The eviction diversion program reports a close to 90% success rate, meaning fewer people become homeless.
For more information, tenants can visit the Civil Law Self-Help Center website.
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