FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — According to the Franklin County Municipal Court, evictions are on the rise in the county.
In 2023, the court had 23,900 evictions, which was up by 12,000 evictions from the year before.
With the numbers being so high, the court is trying to help those who have been evicted. Since 2016, they have been running a free help center called the Franklin County Municipal Court Self-Help Center and Dispute Resolution Department that offers resources for those who have been evicted.
“We have navigators at eviction court who welcome people who are at eviction court that day, help them triage the different resources available at court,” said Robby Southers, managing attorney for the Franklin County Municipal Court's help center.
Evictions help make up 70% of the work at the center. Southers said the people they help are making heartbreaking choices.
“A common situation we see is people having to pay for a funeral for a family member instead of rent. It's hard choices people have to make right now,” said Southers.
Southers encourages those who may be facing eviction to go to the help center on the 16th floor of the Franklin County Municipal Court building. They try to give people two outcomes: paying their rent and staying or an agreed move-out that keeps the eviction off someone’s record.
“The court is not a place to do harm or push you out. There are a lot of resources there to help you,” said Southers.
Lolita Jenkins Miles has been living in public housing since 2020 and was evicted from her home.
“I’m homeless in a hotel right now with my granddaughter and baby because I’m homeless,” said Jenkins Miles.
Jenkins Miles said her last home had what she calls "questionable living conditions." Shortly after, she was evicted. Now, she said she’s struggling to find housing because of the reputation this has put on her record.
“Every place I try to apply for deny me because of the eviction,” said Jenkins Miles.
She’s hoping the help center can help her find permanent housing.
The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.