High Point advocates urge city council to support tenant right to counsel and rental assistance

During the recent High Point City Council meeting, a powerful call to action emerged regarding the urgent need for a county-wide right to counsel program aimed at preventing evictions. Advocates highlighted the plight of vulnerable residents, like Ms. Smith, an elderly woman who faced eviction after prioritizing her utility bills to maintain her life-sustaining oxygen tank.

With over 16,000 families in Guilford County summoned to eviction court annually, the stark reality is that most tenants lack legal representation, while a staggering 90% of landlords do. This imbalance creates a significant disadvantage for tenants, making it crucial for the city to consider implementing a right to counsel program.

Advocates pointed to successful models in cities like Cleveland and New York, where similar programs have reduced eviction filings by over 30%. They emphasized that investing in legal support not only helps families stay in their homes but also saves government resources—studies indicate that for every dollar spent on right to counsel, governments can save between $3 to $6 by reducing costs associated with homelessness and emergency services.

The meeting also touched on the importance of rental assistance, with Greensboro already investing $1.47 million in a local fund to help families in crisis. The cost of preventing an eviction is significantly lower than the expenses incurred by the city when a household becomes homeless.

As the council deliberates, advocates urge them to lead with compassion and fiscal responsibility by passing a resolution to support the right to counsel for tenants facing eviction. This initiative could be a pivotal step in addressing the housing instability affecting many families in the community.