Will County launches eviction diversion program

Will County is launching a program aimed at keeping residents from being evicted from their homes.

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and 12th Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge Daniel Kennedy announced last week that the joint eviction diversion program is becoming a formal process to mitigate pandemic-related housing impacts, according to a news release.

The county created the program to offer tenants facing eviction court one final opportunity to be connected with state and local assistance. The pilot project was prepared ahead of the expiration of the state’s eviction moratorium last October.

“This program has provided a critical resource for residents facing eviction and landlords facing financial hardship due to unpaid rent,” Bertino-Tarrant said in a statement. “I appreciate the Circuit Court for working with us on this partnership aimed at keeping people in their homes.”

Tenants and landlords are able to pursue assistance through the program before attending an eviction court summons or the day of a scheduled court appearance. If requested during a court appearance, the judge may connect the parties with a representative from the Will County Community Development Division to connect with services and assistance.

“Through this program, we are offering an avenue of support for those summoned to eviction court,” Kennedy said in a statement. “The pilot project demonstrated the importance of connecting residents with housing assistance resources at this stage of the process.”

For information on the program, visit willcountyillinois.org/court-based-rental-assistance.