Legal Aid Society presents Eviction Free Milwaukee evaluation to city council

The Milwaukee Community & Economic Development Committee convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss the Stouts Independent Evaluation of the Eviction Free Milwaukee (EFM) program. The meeting featured presentations from Colleen Foley of the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee and Samantha DeDominico from Stout, who provided insights into the program's impact over the past three years.

Foley opened the discussion by highlighting the importance of the EFM program, which has been funded by the city, Milwaukee County, and private sponsors. She emphasized the role of Stout as an independent evaluator, noting their expertise in assessing eviction-related programs nationwide. DeDominico followed with a detailed presentation on the findings from their evaluation, which included both qualitative and quantitative data.

Key points from the evaluation revealed that over 10,500 households received assistance through EFM, impacting more than 15,000 adults and nearly 13,000 children. The demographic data indicated that a significant portion of clients identified as female and Black or African American, reflecting broader national trends regarding the disproportionate impact of eviction on these groups.

DeDominico noted that collaboration among stakeholders, including landlords and tenant advocates, is a unique feature of Milwaukee's approach to addressing eviction. This collaboration has facilitated discussions on rent assistance and educational resources aimed at preventing eviction filings. The evaluation also highlighted a 70% success rate in helping clients achieve their goals, which is consistent with national averages.

The committee discussed the ongoing need for rent assistance, especially as housing costs continue to rise. DeDominico pointed out that many landlords prefer to keep tenants stably housed rather than pursue eviction, but the lack of alternatives to eviction remains a challenge. The conversation also touched on the importance of proactive communication between tenants and landlords to prevent eviction.

A significant finding from the evaluation was the return on investment for the EFM program, estimated at $4.66 for every dollar spent. This return is attributed to reduced reliance on emergency housing services and the economic benefits of keeping families stably housed.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support for the EFM program, as its funding is set to expire at the end of the year. Committee members expressed the need for further advocacy and collaboration to sustain the program and address the growing challenges of housing affordability and eviction in Milwaukee.