Tenant Assistance Project

The Tenant Assistance Project officially launched in April 2020, as the state's first moratorium on eviction was set to expire. 

Prior to the Tenant Assistance Project, tenants would arrive at court unrepresented and often agree to an immediate eviction because they couldn’t navigate the legal process themselves. Now, when tenants arrive for their hearing, they are greeted by a team of volunteers ready to help, and in nearly 98% of the cases, the tenant is able to avoid immediate eviction.

More than half of the Tenant Assistance Project volunteers in Lancaster County are law students. They create eviction defense packets, notify tenants of hearings and resources available, and represent tenants during eviction hearings. 

Since its inception, the program has helped keep more than 2,000 families in their homes and connect tenants to resources, including over $20 million in federal aid or rental assistance.