Richmond Public Library Partners with VPLC to Help Renters Fight Eviction

For many Richmond renters, the fear of eviction is a constant reality. Court summonses arrive in mailboxes daily, often leaving tenants unsure of what to do next or where to turn for help. A new partnership between the Richmond Public Library (RPL) and Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) aims to change that.

The library is now offering guided access to VPLC’s Eviction Defense Center, a free online resource that helps renters understand their rights, prepare for court, and respond to eviction notices. The tool—available at FightMyEviction.org—is part of VPLC’s broader effort to make justice more accessible to Virginians facing housing instability.

“Unfortunately, eviction affects so many in Richmond,” says Charles Schmidt, RPL’s Law Librarian. “Patrons often come to us asking for help understanding their options. We’re excited to partner with VPLC to connect them with a resource that can make a real difference.”

The Eviction Defense Center was created especially for people who can’t get direct assistance from Legal Aid programs—whether because of limited capacity, eligibility restrictions, or timing. It guides users step by step through the eviction process, helping them answer questions, fill out forms, and better understand what to expect in court.

“It’s designed to be simple to use on any smartphone or computer,” explains Phil Storey, a housing attorney with VPLC who leads the Eviction Defense Center. “By partnering with the library, we can help even more people who face barriers to internet access or printing.”

This summer, RPL branches will host drop-in sessions where librarians and VPLC staff can assist renters who need help accessing or navigating the Eviction Defense Center. Patrons can get hands-on support using the tool, printing court documents, and learning what steps to take next.
Schedules and locations for assistance are available at RVAlibrary.org or by calling the library’s Law Librarian.

“Going to court is an intimidating and often confusing process,” says Storey. “People facing an eviction case without an attorney rarely get good outcomes by just winging it. The Eviction Defense Center helps them go to court informed and prepared.”

The Eviction Defense Center is one of several innovative tools developed by VPLC to empower Virginians with knowledge about their legal rights. By combining online self-help resources with local partnerships like this one, VPLC is expanding its reach to thousands of residents who might otherwise face eviction alone.

Renters across Virginia can access the Eviction Defense Center in English at FightMyEviction.org or in Spanish at NoDesalojo.org.