Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion Program (EDP), has helped families avoid homelessness through mediation facilitated by a coalition of city agencies, legal support groups, and housing nonprofits. This program, born from recommendations by Mayor Jim Kenney’s Taskforce on Eviction Prevention and Response, became crucial during the pandemic’s eviction crisis, preventing thousands of evictions and reducing court backlogs. Supported by federal relief funds, the EDP not only helps tenants maintain housing but also preserves their credit and stability, critical for future housing opportunities. The story of a local mother highlights the transformative impact of collaborative, preemptive measures in addressing housing insecurity and fostering economic resilience among vulnerable communities in Philadelphia.

https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/how-phillys-eviction-diversion-program-became-a-model-for-cities