Mountain Mediation receives $100K to scale eviction diversion, housing mediation training

Mountain Mediation has received a $100,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to expand its eviction prevention program, including hiring a program coordinator and two bilingual housing mediators Photo: Mountain Mediation

PARK CITY, Utah — Mountain Mediation has received a $100,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to expand its eviction-prevention work, including hiring a program coordinator and two bilingual housing mediators, the nonprofit announced.

The grant will be used to scale Mountain Mediation’s existing Eviction Prevention program, which the organization said is designed to help tenants and landlords address disputes before they escalate into court filings and legal eviction.

The program coordinator will design and deliver housing mediation training for any Utah court-rostered mediator, according to Mountain Mediation. Funding will also support educational experiences and resources for landlords and tenants on rights and responsibilities, as well as the role of mediation in resolving conflicts.

“Legal eviction is one of the most destabilizing events a family can face. Research shows that eviction filings have profound and long-lasting consequences – including difficulty securing future housing, emotional trauma, and disconnection from schools and communities,” said Gretchen Lee, executive director of Mountain Mediation. “This program is about housing stabilization. We want to help our community before legal action is taken. The grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation allows us to reach more people, providing invaluable housing education and mediations.”

Wells Fargo said the grant aligns with its focus on housing stability and access.

“Wells Fargo is proud to support Mountain Mediation and their efforts to keep individuals and families safely housed,” said Nathan B. Paddock, Wells Fargo Commercial Banking market executive for Utah. “Stable housing is a foundation for financial stability and long-term wellbeing, and Mountain Mediation’s eviction prevention work provides exactly the kind of early, community-based support that makes a meaningful difference. By investing in this program, we are helping expand access to resources, education, and mediation services that empower both tenants and landlords to find fair, sustainable solutions. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening communities and increasing housing access for those who need it most.”

Mountain Mediation, a local nonprofit, said its mission is to bring people together to prevent conflict, resolve disputes, and improve communication. The organization provides mediation services, landlord-tenant education, communication training, and community conversations, and it has developed what it describes as a comprehensive landlord-tenant eviction diversion program.

In describing the Eviction Prevention Program, Mountain Mediation said demand for timely, tenant-focused support has increased, and that early intervention—paired with education and mediation—can reduce the financial and emotional strain associated with eviction. The nonprofit said its goal is to help tenants and landlords find fair solutions before problems worsen, promoting housing stability and stronger financial outcomes for individuals and families.

A check presentation is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 16, at 3 p.m. at the McPolin Barn, 3000 UT-224 in Park City.