The Virginia Poverty Law Center is offering in-person and online support for Richmond residents facing eviction, with drop-in help at local libraries and a plan to expand to other high-eviction areas in Virginia.
Richmond Launches New Eviction Assistance Program at Local Libraries
According to Virginia Mercury, the Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) has started a new program in Richmond to help people facing eviction. They are working with the Richmond Public Library to offer in-person help at three library branches each week. The drop-in hours are at the East End Branch on Mondays, the Main Branch on Wednesdays, and the Broad Rock Branch on Thursdays. People can also use the Eviction Defense Center’s website for online resources about eviction steps, legal terms, and documents.
This program helps tenants understand their rights and check if their landlord is following the correct procedures. Richmond has a high rate of evictions, so this program is important for giving people the tools they need to fight their cases. Virginia Poverty Law Center plans to expand this program to other cities in Virginia with high eviction rates and is working on better promoting the resources.
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500,000+ Richmond Residents Facing Eviction: Virginia Poverty Law Center Launches Pilot Program to Provide Critical Support (PHOTO: Richmond Free Press)
Richmond to Pilot Right-to-Counsel Program While Virginia Poverty Law Center Pushes for Early Eviction Support
Richmond will start a right-to-counsel pilot program next year with $500,000 in funding, but VPLC’s current focus is on providing immediate support. They also support a proposed law to extend the waiting period for eviction notices, though it was recently vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Virginia Poverty Law Center’s services are already helping more people get early assistance, which might prevent some from going to court.
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