Posted June 15, 20222:08 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 online for legal assistance. Please see more highlights below and reach out with any questions or requests. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Alert Volume 38, Issue 1 is here!
The Spring 2022 issue of Legal Aid's newsletter for clients, "The Alert," is now available. Articles include practical tips focused on economic justice and consumer issues. The issue is available here.
Recordings of our training, “Community, Lawyers and Funding: Engaging for Social Change”
Legal Aid and partners recently facilitated a virtual training on how community changemakers can work with lawyers and the legal system to achieve their goals. In case you missed it, check out the recordings from this training and past trainings on our YouTube channel here!
Spotlight on housing conditions issues and resources
Many Legal Aid clients face conditions issues with their housing, whether they are homeowners or tenants. Learn about resources and options available to those who are facing housing conditions issues in our upcoming events this month.
- Life & The Law on WOVU 95.9 FM, June 16 at 9:00 a.m. Visit this link to stream the conversation live. Maria Smith of Legal Aid will be joined by City of Cleveland Director of Building and Housing, Sally Martin.
- “Lunch with Legal Aid” on Facebook Live, June 23 at 12:30 p.m. Join us on Facebook Live to learn more. Maria Smith of Legal Aid will be joined by Mary Barnwell of Cleveland Housing Court and Keesha Allen of Home Repair Resource Center.
Legal Aid has a variety of know your rights resources available for tenants and homeowners. Visit this link to view our digital library of housing information and resources.
Brief Advice Clinics across Northeast Ohio! We have a full schedule of in-person Brief Advice Clinics planned for Summer 2022. View the full events calendar on our website, or download a bilingual PDF flyer to distribute.
Please share the following resources and updates with your network:
Mortgage Assistance
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) is accepting applications for the Save the Dream Ohio program, which helps eligible Ohio homeowners who are facing foreclosure or cannot afford to pay their mortgage, utility bills, or other related housing costs as a result of economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
SNAP Interim Reports to Resume
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) interim reports will resume on June 30. Interim reports are a form that is completed by benefit recipients every 6 months to demonstrate continued SNAP eligibility. Since the beginning of the pandemic, interim reports have been waived, with annual eligibility reviews still ongoing. However, starting in July, thousands of SNAP recipients will go through the interim reporting process each month. Those receiving SNAP benefits should watch their mail for these reports. Interim report forms must be returned by the deadline to avoid losing SNAP benefits.
Opportunity for families to receive funds to support children’s enrichment
The ACE Educational Savings Account program provides families under 300% of the federal poverty level with a $500 credit per child that can be used to pay for a variety of enrichment activities that will accelerate learning for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds can be used for camps, lessons and tutoring. Follow the directions provided online to apply.
HEAP Summer Crisis Program
The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides a one-time benefit to eligible Ohioans with cooling assistance during the summer months. The program runs from July 1 to September 30. Ohioans can call their local utility assistance provider to make an appointment to apply for the summer crisis program. Local utility assistance providers can be found here.
Happy Pride Month!
The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland hosted a great celebration and recognition of oppression LGBTQ+ people are still facing earlier this month, but you can join our friends from LGBTQ+ Lorain County for their Pride festivities the weekend of June 24-26. Events include a free SafeZone training and a community picnic. More details are available on LGBTQ+ Lorain County’s website.
The Ohio Name & Gender Change Legal Clinic is a collaboration from Equality Ohio, Equitas Health, Living with Change, Octopus LLC, and TransOhio. Clinics occur virtually on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. More information and sign-ups can be found here.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when federal troops enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves to be freed. Legal Aid will be closed on Monday, June 20 in observance of Juneteenth. For opportunities to celebrate this holiday, see this resource from Cuyahoga County, and this Cleveland.com article with information about local events.
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.