New program provides legal defense services to low-income Providence residents facing eviction

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Mayor Jorge Elorza launched a new program Wednesday that provides legal defense services to low-income residents facing eviction.

The Eviction Defense Program will use $600,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funding to provide services to residents who earn 65% or less of the Area median Income.

“As a former eviction defense attorney, I have seen firsthand the difference having a lawyer can make in someone sleeping with a roof over their head or on the street,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I am happy to be building on the prior successes of our eviction defense work, especially in the midst of our state’s current housing crisis.”

The city launched a similar program in 2020. The Collaborative Housing Program provided $1 million to help families with eviction defense and rent relief.

“This eviction defense program will provide more breathing room for tenants, up to another year, of much needed assistance,” said Councilwoman and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris.