Eviction Prevention Mediation Demonstration Program

Resolution Oregon and Oregon Community Housing Services logos

Free Mediation Services to Resolve Renter and Housing Provider Disputes

Prevent an eviction before it's filed.

Resolution Centers in 5 regions across Oregon are now offering free mediation and conflict coaching for disputes between renters and housing providers. An eviction does not need to be filed, or even formally talked about, to receive these services.  

As part of an integrated system of services that support housing stability, mediation is an effective community tool that prevents evictions from being filed, diverts evictions out of the court system, and keeps people housed. Our aim is to improve relationships between housing providers and renters so that eviction filings, and the resulting negative impacts to families and communities, don't happen in the first place.

Funded by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and in partnership with Resolution Oregon, the program seeks to increase underserved community member's access to preventative services and to improve access to justice in Oregon.

Son smiling at graduation and hugging his mom

Eviction Diversion Case Study: Supporting School Success

A court date was set for a mother and her son to be evicted from a mobile home park. Days before the scheduled court date, the parties agreed to explore options in mediation. After learning of the negative impacts of eviction, the family and the housing provider agreed to allow the renter to stay in the home until her son graduated from school or located alternate housing, to waive all past rent due, and to aid in listing the home for sale. Mediation services helped divert eviction, stabilize the family's housing, and arrange a transition plan that supported the student's school success.

Smiling family with keys to home in hand

Eviction Prevention Case Study: Grateful Housing Provider Removes Pending Fees

Growing fees and ongoing miscommunication had soured the renter's relationship with their housing provider. Hoping to prevent further escalation, the renter sought guidance from a Resolution Center. The renter worked with a mediator to clarify issues and identify productive communication strategies. Armed with new skills, the renter had a productive meeting with the housing provider, who agreed to waive pending late and legal fees. Afterwards, the housing provider shared that the renter is in good standing and that they are grateful for the support they received to improve the ongoing relationship.
Families enjoying a meal together
Eviction Prevention Case Study: Renters Resolve Dispute and Repair Relationship
A negative relationship that developed between two neighbors disrupted the well-being of the entire apartment building. Both families were facing eviction by their housing provider if they couldn't find a way to get along. The parties entered the mediation room with obvious tensions and hostility toward each other. After an hour of sharing the hardships they each were experiencing, the renters shared tears and hugs. The mediator helped the parties set an agreement designed to strengthen communication moving forward. The renters scheduled a barbecue so that the kids could see the adults getting along again. 

Resolution Centers offering free mediation services, and the counties they serve, are listed below. If you live in one of these counties, please contact the Resolution Center directly. 

 
Map of OHCS funded program locations in Oregon

If you do not live in one of the above counties, the other Resolution Centers in our network offer mediation at a sliding scale so that no one is turned away. To find a Resolution Center near you, click on the button below.

Resolution Center Network List