Keep Gate City Housed

Last year, approximately 16,000 Guilford County residents had eviction notices filed against them. Only 10% of those tenants had legal counsel, whereas 90% of the landlords in housing court were represented by attorneys. In most cases, renters without attorneys—who often owe as little as $200, or are behind on their rent by only a few days—do not know they can appeal their evictions, keeping them housed long enough to repay back rent. They don't have the basic information that would help them avoid eviction.

By ensuring renters have equal legal representation as landlords, we can significantly decrease eviction rates. For instance: A legal resource program (“TEAM”) provided to renters for two days weekly by UNCG students helps around 30% of tenants avoid eviction in court. Investing in eviction prevention has proven cost-effective in various cities: Louisville's $400,000 investment is motivated by anticipated cost savings. Cleveland collaborates with organizations to offer legal counsel and rental aid, costing $3.1 million.

It’s time for Greensboro and Guilford County to work together to Keep Gate City Housed—we have the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the state, for using our resources to make our neighborhoods safer, more stable and keeping kids in their homes.

We can Keep Gate City Housed by getting City Council to:

1. Contribute $440,000 funding to the TEAM Program

2. Contribute $1.5 million to rental assistance for families fighting evictions

3. Support the county in having tenants receive information about the TEAM Program with their court summons