In Pima County, Arizona, eviction filings reached a record high of 10,000 in 2023, according to data from the state court system. This significant increase represents a dramatic rise over previous years. Eviction filings in the county jumped from 5,703 in 2021 to 12,993 in 2023. Eric Krznarich, chairman of Pima County, attributes this progress to economic challenges that many have faced in recent years.
People often struggle to prioritize their expenses and may have to make tough decisions about which bills are most important to pay each month. With the high cost of essentials like gas, families are feeling financial strain and turning to eviction requests for relief. The numbers in Pima County reflect the highest number of eviction filings since before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019.
The increase in eviction filings from 2022 to 2023 can be attributed partly to the onset of the pandemic and rental assistance programs that became available at that time. However, with many pandemic-related programs now expired and thousands facing financial difficulties, police officers like Krznarich and Bill Lake must navigate their duties with empathy and compassion during the eviction process.
Police officers emphasize the importance of treating everyone with understanding during these challenging times. By providing information about social services and explaining the options available to those facing eviction, they can help individuals navigate difficult situations with less resistance. As the number of eviction applications continues to rise, it is crucial that officials balance their duties with empathy and support for those facing financial hardship.