Arizona is giving four nonprofits $5 million to provide legal help to renters facing eviction.

The funding comes as metro Phoenix eviction filings climbed to almost set a new record in September. The money is coming from American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Community Legal Services based in Phoenix will receive $2.4 million, and $1.3 million will go to Southern Arizona Legal Aid. DNA People’s Legal Services and the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education will each get $600,000.

Navigating the fast eviction process in Arizona is difficult for many struggling renters. The funds can be used for eviction prevention, fixing damaged credit records so people can rent again, and helping with social security or disability income enrollment.

“This funding is a historic, first step towards increasing equal access to justice and will help keep Arizonans housed, keep families safe, and protect the rights of low-income families,” said Kevin Ruegg, CEO of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education.

There’s still some pandemic-related arizona/2023/10/03/how-do-i-get-emergency-housing-assistance-in-arizona/70857823007/” data-ylk=”slk:renter aid available;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “renter aid available for struggling tenants. Information on where and how to apply is available at azevictionhelp.org.

The courts provide eviction-related information for tenants and landlords at www.justicecourts.maricopa.gov and www.azcourts.gov/eviction.

Gov. Katie Hobbs said services provided by the groups to share the $5 million will help “families access the housing protection and other critical services they need.”

Reach the reporter at [email protected] or 602-444-8040. Follow her on Twitter @CatherineReagor.

Coverage of housing insecurity on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: $5M will help Arizona renters facing eviction. Where to go for help