Commissioners approved a grant to expand Hamilton County’s Help Center limited‑representation pilot for eviction first‑hearing appearances, expanding a city‑funded two‑day program into a countywide five‑day program that Help Center leaders said has demonstrably reduced eviction judgments.

Pavan Parikh, clerk of courts, described the Help Center as a nationally recognized model that partners with the University of Cincinnati College of Law to provide licensed attorneys and clinic support. Parikh said the pilot — begun in the fourth quarter of 2024 for City of Cincinnati residents — embeds attorneys outside the courtroom during first eviction hearings to provide limited representation and connections to services such as rental assistance.

Parikh gave outcome data to the board: from October 2024 through April 2025, the clinic filed 460 appearances on behalf of more than 250 distinct households; through July 8 the Help Center’s attorney had made 588 court appearances, and Parikh said "more than 94% have resulted in a positive outcome for the renter" and "of the 250 cases litigated to final judgment, 86 percent were dismissed." He framed the work as preventing homelessness while preserving landlord claims when appropriate. "These cases each represent community stability. Landlord can remain whole. A family stays in their home or is given an alternate solution It does not end in homelessness," Parikh said.

The Interact for Health grant the board approved on the consent agenda will provide roughly $100,000 per year (two years) in support for the expansion. Parikh said expanding the program countywide would allow the Help Center to render approximately 25,000 services in 2025 as it scales up the attorney clinic model and partnerships with housing and social‑service organizations.

Commissioners voiced strong support for the program. Commissioner Stephanie Summeraldumas called the program a "national model," and Commissioner Denise Dreehaus and Commissioner Alicia Reese asked for more data capturing county investments and results; Parikh and staff offered to host commissioners at eviction‑court sessions so they can see the work in action.

The consent agenda vote to accept the Interact for Health grant (consent agenda item 3) carried unanimously.