What you need to know about eviction in Middle Tennessee

In July 2021, pandemic-era eviction protections ended in Nashville. Since then, state and federal sources of rent assistance have dried up, and this December eviction filings in Nashville were 70% higher than they were before the pandemic.

To understand what happens when a person is evicted and how it impacts their ability to find housing, we’re talking to community members with firsthand experience. Then, we’re joined by legal experts from the Legal Aid Society and the Hispanic Bar association to discuss resources, tenant rights and the  Eviction Right to Counsel Project.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, from 2-4 p.m. Legal Aid Society and Conexión Américas are co-hosting an open house to answer questions about the new Eviction Right to Counsel pilot program, which will provide legal aid to low-income renters at risk of eviction in Davidson County.

But first, we’re joined by WPLN education reporter Alexis Marshall to discuss local relief efforts in response to Monday’s deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Guests

• Vicky Batcher, writer who has firsthand experience with eviction
• Sommer Harpole, bartender who has firsthand experience with eviction
• Elizabeth Leiserson, Eviction Right to Counsel Project director with the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
• Julie Yriart, legal director of the Nashville Eviction Right to Counsel pilot program with the Hispanic Bar Association

Additional reading: 

• WPLN: Eviction filings in Nashville were 70% higher in December than before the pandemic. Here are some prevention tips.
• WPLN: Nashville’s mayor pushes for more federal funds to reduce homelessness