Evictions: Tools are available to help, but organizations struggle to keep up
By Patty Hastings, Columbian
Social Services, Demographics, Faith
Published: October 23, 2017, 6:05am
Share:
Property management staff clear remaining possessions from tenant patios at the Courtyard Village apartment complex in Vancouver in 2014. Because of new ownership and planned renovations, many tenants were given notices to vacate. ariane kunze/The Columbian files
More than 1,100 eviction notices were filed in Clark County last year, and the same number are expected this year.
Several agencies around Clark County operate rental-assistance programs that, in many cases, prevent evictions from happening. However, the programs are costly and can’t help everyone.
“Our job is to cut that process short, so they don’t get a court-mandated eviction notice,” said Steve Rusk, community relations and development director at the Salvation Army in Vancouver.
Your tax-deductible donation to The Columbian’s Community Funded Journalism program will contribute to better local reporting on key issues, including homelessness, housing, transportation and the environment. Reporters will focus on narrative, investigative and data-driven storytelling.
Local journalism needs your help. It’s an essential part of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.
