Posted October 14, 20224:00 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 at lasclev.org. Please see more highlights below and reach out with any questions or requests. We look forward to hearing from you!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Legal Aid has a variety of resources available regarding family law matters, including domestic violence. Visit our website to view our digital library of family law information and resources. You may find additional help online at Ohio Legal Help.
Learn more about domestic violence and how Legal Aid helps with civil protection orders, divorce, and custody during our October outreach events:
- October 20 at 10:00 AM – Catch us on WOVU 95.9 FM's "Life & The Law" program. Legal Aid attorneys will provide an overview of domestic violence, discuss how to identify it in relationships, share tips about safety planning, and more. Listen live on 95.9 FM, or visit this link.
- October 27 at 12:30 PM – Catch us live on Facebook for "Lunch with Legal Aid." For this conversation, a Legal Aid attorney will be joined by a community partner from Journey Center. View live on Legal Aid's Facebook, or visit this link.
Register Now: Federal Student Loan Cancellation 101 – October 19 at 1:00 PM
In August, President Biden and the Department of Education announced a new program to cancel federal student debt for many borrowers. We are offering a free training for service providers to provide an overview of the new federal student loan cancellation program, answer frequently asked questions, and explain how Legal Aid can assist borrowers. Learn more and register today!
Legal Aid reports on debt-related driver's suspensions
More than half of U.S. states – Ohio included – suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew driver's licenses for unpaid fines and fees. These debt-related suspensions create a "road to nowhere," often trapping drivers with limited resources in a vicious cycle. Legal Aid investigated this cycle and published the results of this research in the new report, Road to Nowhere: Debt-Related Driver's License Suspensions in Ohio.
Free neighborhood legal clinics
Legal Aid has a full schedule of free legal advice clinics scheduled for the final quarter of 2022. Click here for a printable bilingual flyer. In addition, you can always view the full events calendar on our website.
Please share the following community resources and updates with your network:
ARPA Child Tax Credit – Deadline Approaching!
In March 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), expanding the Child Tax Credit and providing historic tax relief to many families. Families can be eligible even if they have no income and have never filed taxes before. November 15, 2022 is the deadline for families to claim the credit, which they can do online at ChildTaxCredit.gov. This website connects people to a simplified tool that helps families file a simple tax return to claim their Child Tax Credit in as little as 15 minutes.
Cuyahoga County Rent Assistance – Apply Now!
Cuyahoga County must spend millions of dollars in ARPA money before the end of the year. Tenants who have been impacted by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for assistance online through CHN Housing Partners. Tenants may qualify for up to 3 months of future rent payments in addition to receiving money for past rent. CHN will also link applicants with other assistance programs that may help make utility bills more affordable.
Winter utility assistance
As winter approaches, utility bills will rise. Payment assistance programs are available for low-income individuals. The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (HEAP Winter Crisis Program) runs from November 1 – March 31 and helps income eligible Ohioans maintain utility services. More information about these programs and the application process is available online.
Tri-C's Women in Transition Program
Empowering women since 1978, the Women in Transition Program is a NO-COST, non-credit course offered through Tri-C. The curriculum is designed to help women move their lives forward, develop personalized plans focused on academic and professional development, network and strengthen their support system. Registration for Fall B Session ends Oct. 25. Learn more about the Women in Transition Program.
Thank you for your partnership in striving for justice throughout Northeast Ohio. As always, please reach out with any questions or ideas!
Sincerely,
Natalie M. Ziegler
Community Engagement Paralegal
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Rights. Dignity. Justice.