Eviction Diversion Initiative

Turning a moment of housing crisis into one of support, clarity, and stability.

The Eviction Diversion Initiative works to transform housing court into a place where people can find support with complex needs and secure safe, stable housing.

The Eviction Diversion Initiative was launched in 2022 by the Center for Justice Innovation and the New York State Unified Court System in Brooklyn Housing Court and Suffolk County District Courts, with support from the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). In Brooklyn, the Initiative works with people who have housing subsidies where administrative issues and errors often cause arrears. In Suffolk County, our post-filing outreach initiative aims to prevent evictions by default judgment and connect residents to legal services and holistic support early in the court process.

A national evaluation by NCSC found that Eviction Diversion Initiative projects led to a reduction in eviction judgments, higher appearance rates, and increased trust and confidence in the justice system. The Center is now working with the court system to expand the Initiative to the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan in New York City, as well as Rochester and Syracuse in Upstate New York.

Our community justice approach is not only about helping tenants avoid eviction and regain stable housing in the long term, but also addressing other issues they are facing with respect and dignity.
—Priscila Auffant, Eviction Diversion Initiative Deputy Director