Posted August 24, 20228:55 am
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 online at lasclev.org. Please see more highlights below and reach out with any questions or requests. We look forward to hearing from you!
Spotlight on educational civil legal resources – August 25 at 12:30 PM
Legal Aid's education practice team works with families experiencing school problems related to discipline, expulsion, disabilities, homelessness, and enrollment. This week during our August 25th “Lunch with Legal Aid” program on Facebook Live, we’re talking about education law. Our attorney experts Russell Hauser and Allison Hite, plus paralegal Olivia Pollack, will share what families should know ahead of the upcoming school year. Additional resources are available on our website.
Learn about sealing a criminal record – September 19 at 5:00 PM
Who is eligible for record sealing (sometimes called “expungement”)? What criminal records can be sealed? How does a person apply to seal a record? Learn the answers to these questions during a special presentation offered by Legal Aid with the Elyria Public Library – September 19 at 5:00 PM. Learn more on our website and download a flyer to help spread the word.
Brief Advice Clinics across Northeast Ohio! Legal Aid has a full schedule of in-person Brief Advice Clinics planned for September and beyond, including a special Naturalization Clinic for individuals needing help with applying for U.S. citizenship.
In the coming weeks we are hosting clinics in the following locations:
- September 10 – Cleveland at South Brooklyn Branch, Cleveland Public Library
- September 13 – Oberlin at Oberlin Depot
- September 17 – Cleveland at West Side Catholic Center
- September 20 – Ashtabula at Catholic Charities
- September 24 – Naturalization Clinic
Spread the word about our clinics:
Please share the following community resources and updates with your network:
Ohio expanded emergency utility assistance programs
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Department of Development recently expanded the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Program. The state increased eligibility from 150% of the federal poverty guidelines to 175% for household eligibility. PIPP allows eligible gas and electric customers to pay a percentage of their gross household income toward utility bills. Click here to apply for PIPP, or contact your local Home Energy Assistance Program Provider.
Cleveland City Council passed “pay to stay” legislation
New legislation for the City of Cleveland allows tenants to stay in their home and avoid eviction if they pay money owed to their landlord before Housing Court grants an eviction judgement. Tenants must offer the full amount of past due rent, court costs, and reasonable late fees owed. Tenants can also rely on this defense to an eviction based on the approval of their rent assistance application. Cleveland’s pay-to-stay ordinance went into effect August 20. Other municipalities that have passed pay-to-stay protections include Akron, Euclid, Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Maple Heights, Newburgh Heights, and South Euclid. Read more about Cleveland’s new legislation.
Cuyahoga County small business help
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish announced the Cuyahoga County Small Business Stimulus Grant Program – the County’s latest initiative to support small businesses in the community. The program – utilizing American Rescue Plan Act dollars – will disburse approximately $2 million to local businesses. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 9. Learn more about this program.
Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition hosts Family Fun Day
Join the Lead Safe Resource Center on Saturday, August 27 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Luke Easter Park in Cleveland for a Family Fun Day. Bring your family and enjoy food, fun, games, prizes, and more!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers free after school meals for kids
It is back to school time, and the Cuyahoga County Public Library has partnered with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to provide children with free meals after school in communities where the need is great. Daily meals are available for youth ages 18 and under while supplies last. Visit their website for free meal locations.
Fair Housing Center offers eviction prevention trainings
The Fair Housing Center for Rights and Research has a variety of virtual and in-person trainings scheduled this fall. A Legal Aid attorney will present during the sessions on Eviction Prevention & Diversion. Visit their website to learn more and register.
Food programs for eligible Lorain County residents
Oberlin Community Services, a community partner of Legal Aid, offers a wide variety of food resources for income-eligible Lorain County residents. These include drive-up food distribution times, senior meal delivery, and more. Learn more on their website.
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
Rights. Dignity. Justice.