NEWS & EVENTS

New, Free Eviction Mediation Program for Monroe County

October 4, 2020

Mediator Works to Avoid Eviction Proceedings for Tenants, Landlords

Pocono Mountains United Way is pleased to announce the launch of the new Landlord-Tenant Eviction Mediation program. The program is free, voluntary, confidential as well as proven to have a nearly 90% success rate in avoiding eviction. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families have faced economic hardships leading to late or unpaid rent. This new program administered by United Way will work with both landlord and tenant to identify their needs and help them to negotiate a beneficial and acceptable solution. 

Given how dire the situation is for many of our neighbors, this program stands a very good chance of keeping families in their homes,” said Michael Tukeva, Pocono Mountains United Way President/CEO. “Our goal is to avoid eviction and court filing by helping both parties work together.” 

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that brings both sides together to resolve conflicts. The mediator does not make a decision, but rather helps both sides come to an agreement. 

The mediation process benefits both landlords and tenants as each side works together to reach an agreement that works for everyone. This process creates a better long-term relationship. Across the country, eviction mediation programs have an 85-90% success rate in avoiding eviction. 

At this time, mediations are limited to serving tenants with incomes below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and who have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. At this time, mediations are limited to serving tenants with incomes below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and who have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Both landlord and tenant must agree to try mediation. Likewise, any solution requires both sides to agree; no decision is made for them. If no agreement is reached, both sides are free to pursue other remedies. 

Interested parties can contact Linda Paugh at (570) 261-8023 or mediation@PoconoUnitedWay.org to inquire about eviction mediation.