Posted May 14, 20252:01 pm
By John Benson
LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Many families found their income negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s why two years ago, with housing stability in mind, City Council allocated $150,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
For more than 100 years, the nonprofit agency has assisted low-income residents facing legal issues that threaten their home, health, safety and livelihood.
“We know that renters who cannot afford an attorney are more likely to face housing insecurity or poor housing conditions,” City Council President Sarah Kepple said.
“Through our investment in Legal Aid services, we help ensure that families with lower income receive due process and fair representation, ultimately resulting in safer and more stable housing conditions for Lakewood residents.”
Recently, the civil law firm -- the fifth-oldest legal aid entity in the country -- updated City Council about local impact through its Legal Aid 101 program.
“Folks may be experiencing a legal challenge -- an eviction, for example -- where they don’t know how to represent themselves and can reach out to us,” said Legal Aid Managing Attorney for Community Engagement Kimberly Barnett-Mills, a former Lakewood resident.
“We’re able to look at the case, look for eligibility and see what we can do.
“That can be giving them legal advice and helping them move forward on their own, helping them prepare documents or giving them full representation.”
Legal Aid last year assisted 384 Lakewood residents in 195 unique legal cases involving evictions, poor housing conditions in rental homes, foreclosure, employment barriers, public benefit denials and domestic violence.
Beyond legal representation, Legal Aid also provides people with information, resources and support to solve issues on their own or seek additional legal assistance.
The nonprofit has also partnered with the Lakewood Area Collaborative, Cove Community Center, Lakewood Public Library and LakewoodAlive to host community presentations that help to empower people.
The “Legal Aid in Lakewood” educational series hosted 10 community presentations reaching 472 residents.
“From a financial perspective alone, we’ve seen a tremendous return on investment with our Legal Aid partnership,” Kepple said.
“Through their representation on legal cases, they helped 384 Lakewood residents reduce debt, increase income and increase assets by over $200,000.
“Additionally, last year Legal Aid’s educational presentations helped 472 residents connect with services, get quick advice and better understand their rights.”
Considering the large number of renters in Lakewood, Barnett-Mills hopes folks remember that Legal Aid remains their retainer-free option.
“Over time, people’s incomes change, their legal needs change and something that might not have been relevant to you last year might be very relevant to you this year,” she said.
“So what we want to make sure is that folks know about us and remember that if they maybe don’t need us today, that we are still going to be here tomorrow.”
Kepple added, “Now more than ever it is important for Lakewood residents to know their rights and have fair and effective legal representation.
“I’m excited for our continued partnership and expanding outreach in our community.”
Source: cleveland.com - Legal Aid Society of Cleveland is making an impact in Lakewood