Five Ways to Stop Evictions Before They Happen
October 12, 2023
Published by United Way of Southern Maine
Even before the outbreak of Covid-19, some 1.5 million U.S. households received an eviction judgment each year, impacting nearly 3.8 million individuals.
Additionally, there is evidence that the number of informal displacements could be twice as high, leaving over 11 million people at risk of displacement each year when considering both formal and informal evictions. That scale equates to potentially displacing, on an annual basis, more than every single resident of New York City and Chicago – the nation’s first and third most populous cities – combined.
Now, with inflation on the rise and millions of Americans still saying they’re unsure if they’ll be able to afford rent next month, preventing eviction and supporting long-term housing stability are urgent national imperatives.
Published by Maine Public | by Nicole Ogrysko
Published by Portland Press Herald by Hannah LaClaire
Chip Curry is a state senator representing District 11 and serves as co-chair of the Legislature’s Committee on Housing and Economic Development. Victoria Morales is the executive director of Project Home, a Maine nonprofit working to expand housing stability and prevent homelessness. Maine is currently facing a housing crisis that threatens the very fabric of our communities. While there is a consensus that we must build the 84,000 units of housing needed to stabilize our market, that process is estimated to take 20–30 years. Maine families, seniors, and children living on the brink of displacement cannot wait two decades for a roof over their heads. To prevent a catastrophic surge in homelessness today, Maine must continue to fund and prioritize the Eviction Prevention Program (EPP), a statewide initiative that helps renters avoid eviction and remain stably housed.
Peace Mutesi, Director of Economic Opportunity at Quality Housing Coalition, has been named to Mainebiz's 2025 40 Under 40 list. Now in its fourth year, the program recognizes Maine's up-and-coming leaders—the next generation shaping the state and its economy.
