Posted February 15, 20232:55 pm
We provided this update on local events, community updates, and other newsworthy items to our partners and public officials.
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Hello from Legal Aid! Legal Aid is available in person, by phone and online to meet our clients’ needs. Applicants can now schedule a call back time when they apply for help online at lasclev.org. Please reach out with any questions or requests. We look forward to hearing from you!
Check out these updates from Legal Aid:
Free legal clinics: 2023 calendar available
For a printable bilingual flyer (PDF) of Legal Aid's upcoming FREE legal advice clinics scheduled for the first quarter of 2023, click here: Winter Clinic Flyer. Or visit the events page on our website anytime to view the current clinic schedule.
Training and Know Your Rights Opportunities are offered by Legal Aid
Legal Aid provides trainings to providers and Know Your Rights presentations to community groups on a variety of topics. Examples of topics related to family law include domestic violence, custody, divorce, child support, trauma-informed practices, and options for grandparents and kinship caregivers. If you are interested in hosting a group presentation, please send requests to outreach@lasclev.org and give as much information and notice as possible.
Please share this information widely:
Virtual Co-op incubator this spring for new worker-owned businesses
This spring, Cleveland Owns is launching a 15-week program for groups looking to launch worker-owned businesses in partnership with statewide allies at Co-op Cincy and Co-op Dayton. By March 1, groups of two or more people with a vision for a worker-owned co-op can apply to join this state-wide cohort with sponsorship from Cleveland Owns. You and your team can apply at this link. The program starts on March 21.
Free Tax Preparation Assistance Programs
A variety of resources are available to help low-income Northeast Ohio residents with tax preparation. Call 2-1-1 or visit our website for links to tax preparation assistance programs in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain Counties. In addition, Legal Aid staff will be attending several Super Refund events in the community to share information about Legal Aid's Low Income Taxpayer Clinic and other resources.
SNAP emergency allotments ending this month
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotments many households have received since March 2020 will end with the last issuance in February 2023. These emergency allotments were a response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and meant that all SNAP households received the maximum SNAP benefits each month. Beginning March 2023, all SNAP households will only receive their standard SNAP benefits. This may mean some households, particularly seniors, will see a significant decrease in these vital benefits. To minimize the impact of the decreased benefits, SNAP households should make sure JFS is aware of:
- Monthly recurring medical costs over $35.00 per month (for households with anyone over 60 or receiving disability benefits)
- Monthly adult or childcare costs such as babysitter, transportation, or day care costs (for SNAP households with anyone working, looking for work, or in school)
- Any increase in your rent or mortgage costs
ODJFS will be notifying SNAP households by letter, phone calls and text. For more information, visit Ohio Benefits. For additional food resources, call the United Way Help Center at 2-1-1.
Winter utility assistance
As winter continues, the cold temperatures will bring energy cost increases. Payment assistance programs are available for low-income individuals. The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (HEAP Winter Crisis Program) runs until – March 31 and helps income eligible Ohioans maintain utility services. More information about these programs is available online.
Thank you for your partnership in striving for justice throughout Northeast Ohio. As always, please reach out with any questions or ideas!
Sincerely,
Anne K. Sweeney
Managing Attorney for Community Engagement
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Direct: 216.861.5242 / Main: 216.861.5500
Email: anne.sweeney@lasclev.org
lasclev.org
Rights. Dignity. Justice.