Eviction Prevention: In-Courtroom Support Services

Multnomah County, through its Department of County Human Services (DCHS), is seeking proposals for in-court eviction defense support services. The program aims to prevent evictions for low-income residents of Multnomah County who are facing eviction notices. Services will include direct outreach at the Multnomah County Courthouse, tenant screening for eligibility, limited scope legal representation at first appearance proceedings, negotiations, and assistance with filing answers or stipulated agreements. Full scope representation may be provided for defensible cases or referred to other legal service providers. The program also involves referring participants to emergency rental assistance providers and collecting detailed data on household demographics, tenancy, and case outcomes. Services must be provided within Multnomah County to individuals and households at or below 65% of the Median Family Income for the Portland Metro Area. The County has budgeted approximately $255,000 per year for this RFP, with funding not guaranteed year-to-year. The contract term is expected to be five years. Successful bidders will be closely monitored for performance and will be required to cooperate with DCHS in performance monitoring activities, including reporting progress, providing records, allowing site visits, and participating in meetings and audits.