Posted May 31, 20249:00 am
In late May 2024, Legal Aid supporters gathered to celebrate Founders’ Day. This special event honored 119 years of Legal Aid’s continued work to extend justice in Northeast Ohio, with a special focus on Legal Aid’s work to advance safe, stable housing for all.
A safe, stable home is a basic human need. However, many families across Northeast Ohio face serious threats to their housing, like eviction, poor housing conditions, utility shut offs, and lockouts.
According to the Legal Services Corporation, one-third of households with low incomes face a civil legal issue with housing. This percentage is even higher among households who rent.
During the Founders’ Day event, a panel of philanthropic partners who are investing in Legal Aid’s housing justice work shared their perspectives on the impact of these investments in a conversation moderated by Stephanie D. Adams (Sherwin-Williams).
Keisha M. González Robert (The Cleveland Foundation), Elizabeth A. Grove (The Lubrizol Corporation), Rob Lockett (Rocket Community Fund), and Ken Surratt (United Way of Greater Cleveland) each spoke passionately about the impact legal services can have as part of the key strategy for improving housing stability in our region.
Housing matters continue to be the largest concern among the clients Legal Aid serves. In 2023, Legal Aid saw a 20% increase in the number of intakes from people struggling with housing issues. Legal Aid handled 3,452 housing cases in 2023 – an increase of 410 cases from 2022.
Collaboration is key to tackling large, systemic problems like housing insecurity. Legal Aid is grateful to our supporters and stakeholders for standing with us in our efforts to advance housing stability. Every day, through legal representation, research, and advocacy, Legal Aid helps people across Northeast Ohio resolve legal threats to their most important asset – their home.
