Support growing for ‘Pay to Stay' legislation to help curb some evictions

Software and apps are helping millions of Americans trying to solve civil problems on their own.

In the 1960s, Uruguay created a cooperative housing policy designed to help ease housing shortages especially among lower- and middle-class residents, with cooperative projects bolstered by state loans and technical support. The country now counts over 70,000 co-op-owned homes, making up roughly 5 percent of the housing stock.

Dallas has emerged as a national model for addressing homelessness with its systematic approach combining strict enforcement of anti-camping laws with comprehensive support services and permanent housing placement. The city works with over 150 partners, including police, shelters, and housing providers through its Continuum of Care program to patrol downtown, direct people to shelters, and transition them to permanent housing with wraparound services. They’ve moved more than 270 people off the streets and declared an end to downtown homelessness in May 2025.

Housing vouchers from HUD-VASH are helping decrease rates of homelessness among veterans by providing support that pays for a portion of their rent, while the federal government covers the rest up to a local ceiling. Congress expands the program every year and has so far created about 110,000 vouchers available nationwide.

Legislation in cities like Cleveland, Louisville, New York City, provides legal representation for economically-disadvantaged people who are facing eviction. The city ordinances have drastically reduced evictions as well as the government costs associated with homelessness caused directly by evictions. A public awareness push - through social media, billboards, and door knocking - was also made in these cities to encourage people to show up to their eviction court dates.

Old and neglected housing contributes to climate change because it runs on fossil fuels. In New York, outdated heating systems waste two-thirds of energy. The New York City Housing Authority is not only trying to create better, safer, more livable affordable housing, but also cleaner and more sustainable housing. While the city is just beginning to explore how to do that, other cities, like Paris, have already begun the work of updating old buildings that are used for affordable housing and can offer a model for American cities.

Tenants in Cleveland can qualify for access to legal representation in eviction hearings through the Right to Counsel program. Similar programs across the country have resulted in high rates of success, with up to 85 percent of renters avoiding eviction.

Right to Counsel laws ensure legal representation for tenants facing eviction in Ohio and New York. Results from various cities show that free legal aid results in lower eviction rates. Eviction rates in North Carolina are on the rise and advocates say the state needs to implement Right to Counsel laws.

Dozens of evictions have been prevented in Philadelphia through a program that calls for mediation between landlord and tenant. The Eviction Diversion Program requires that disputes be worked through before an eviction claim can be filed. The success of the temporary program has led to an extension until March and “the hope is that it will become the new normal.”

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland is helping low-income people facing legal hardships and civil issues obtain fair representation and access to services and aid. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the organization has struggled to keep pace with the need, but has still been able to provide services to nearly half of those who have requested and connect many of the others with partner organizations.