Eviction Prevention Funding OK'd By Alexandria City Council

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On Thursday, Alexandria City Council approved funding for several measures aimed at preventing evictions.

The $457,000 in funding provides two service navigator and two housing relocator positions, storage assistance for household belongings, and additional legal services from the Legal Aid Justice Center to assist people at risk for eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The measures come after a Supreme Court ruling on Aug. 26 ended the eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in areas with COVID-19 surges.

"The consequences of eviction during this pandemic are far-reaching for individuals and families,” said Mayor Justin Wilson in a statement. "The likelihood of experiencing homelessness increases, mental and physical health are diminished, and the potential for obtaining employment decreases. City Council’s vote addresses the urgent need for eviction prevention and legal services in Alexandria and strengthens a local safety net that will help protect our residents as the COVID-19 pandemic continues."

According to a memo from City Manager Mark Jinks, there have been 2,135 unlawful detainer summons filed since March 2020. About 28 percent of these cases were found in favor of the landlord, and 283 writs of eviction were issued. About 61 percent of the cases were dismissed or non-suited. While the Legal Services of Northern Virginia has provided outreach to 1,031 people and city offices have helped 3,717 households secure city and state rental assistance, the city estimates around 134 households are at "immediate risk of eviction" after the moratorium ended. City government says people of color are disproportionately at risk for evictions due to discriminatory national housing practices.

In 2020, the city had created an Eviction Prevention Task Force with city departments and community partners to coordinate outreach and resources to people at risk of eviction due to the pandemic. Representatives came from the Department of Community and Human Services, Office of Housing, Sheriff's Office, City Attorney's Office, Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Tenant and Workers United, African Communities Together, Christ Church and emergency financial providers.

The eviction prevention resources come from American Rescue Plan Act funds. City staff estimate $500,000 for eviction related support could be needed from the second American Rescue Plan Act allocation.