Maybe it’s because the 28 days in February are flying by, or because I’m regularly checking to see if the temperature shows any sign of an early spring, but I’ve been thinking a lot about numbers lately.
Working in eviction defense, numbers mean a lot to us and the renters we serve. As seen in our Chicago Eviction Data Portal, numbers can reflect disparities in eviction and highlight systemic inequities in filing and representation rates. Inside eviction court, numbers such as the amount of rent claimed and rental assistance applied not only determine if a tenant has to move, but they also paint a picture of the hard work our staff does to keep Chicagoans housed. This month we are excited to share our 2024 Impact Report showcasing the life changing impact of that work on Chicago’s low- and moderate-income families last year.
2024 saw a sharp increase in homelessness across the U.S. and in Chicago, where the unhoused population nearly tripled. A recent study also found that eviction is a structural driver of homelessness, and the rate of eviction is directly related to the rate of homelessness. For many LCBH clients, access to free eviction defense and emergency rental assistance were the difference between staying housed and finding themselves among this startling statistic. As you’ll see in our Report, thanks to continued collaboration between LCBH and our partners on the Right to Counsel Pilot Program, LCBH could grow to meet this need, serving 38% more renters facing eviction last year than in 2023.
Overall, LCBH’s attorneys and case managers served more than 19,500 renters in 2024. Of those renters receiving eviction defense services, 85% avoided eviction judgments. Our staff also garnered $4.5 million in total financial benefits for clients, $1.7 million of which was paid through rental assistance, meaning clients not only got better outcomes, but money also went back in the pockets of landlords. You can see our entire 2024 Impact Report here.
This work would not have been possible without the continued support of our state and local funders. That’s why we are also advocating for the Illinois General Assembly to fund the proposed $50 million for the Illinois Court Based Rental Assistance Program and the Illinois State Homeless Prevention Fund, which provides pre-court rental assistance, in the Governor’s proposed FY2026 Budget. Through our experiences in court, we know the combination of rental assistance and eviction defense preserves tenancies and keeps families stably housed. Read more about our budgetary priorities and ways to help us advocate for sustained funding here.
Looking ahead at 2025, we know our advocacy in and outside of eviction court is more important than ever before. Every day, more and more families face the imminent risk of homelessness, and in some cases legal aid is the only thing standing between them and displacement. We hope you’ll join us on April 30th for our hybrid 2025 Chicago Evictions Town Hall, where we will continue our discussion on the importance of eviction diversion programs in preventing homelessness from legal aid, public policy, and data analysis perspectives. Together, we will learn how to advocate for a future where everyone is stably housed. Meet our esteemed panelists and learn more here.