LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The revamped Eviction Diversion Program in Las Vegas Justice Court has a mission to help seniors, the disabled, and the most vulnerable Valley residents stay housed.
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada retooled the program to help more people starting in December 2023, and has since taken on around 800 eviction cases. Attorneys work with the vulnerable tenants to get connected to rental aid programs funded by Clark County or the federal government. Many in critical financial situations are already eligible for aid.
“It’s really important to connect those who need it most such as the elderly, people on a fixed income and people with living with disabilities,” said consumer attorney Christine Miller.
“When these funds are available, it’s really important to connect those who need it most,” Miller said.
If a tenant qualifies for rental aid, attorneys will fight the eviction in court. Miller calls it a win for everyone: the tenant stays housed and the landlord has a guaranteed income.
“It makes the landlords whole while keeping tenants with a roof over their head. All in all, it provides stability for landlords and the tenant,” Miller said.
If rental aid is not approved, attorneys will monitor clients’ cases and fight any illegal or improper filings by the landlord.
Las Vegas local Randy Ward, a retired CCSD bus driver and grandmother, became injured after retirement and needed disability. Due to her injury, she could only work part-time to make ends-meat. Once her temporary job ended, she fell behind on her rent.
“I’m like, ‘I’m going to end up homeless. What am I going to do? I did a lot of praying,” Ward said.
“I went to court. The girl at the window says, ‘You’re on social security? We have a new diversion program,” Ward said.
“It was a big blessing. It opened up plenty of doors for me,” Ward said. Attorneys with Legal Aid helped her obtain rental aid and stay in her home. The help didn’t end, there: social workers connected her with job resources for a better opportunity, and also helped her obtain income-based affordable housing.
The program was made possible by a $1.25 million grant from the National Center for State Courts. Legal Aid hopes to continue the program to assist more people.
In 2023, close to 77,000 eviction cases were filed or re-filed across Clark County.
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