Public justice center tenant advocacy project

Public justice center tenant advocacy project. Our work challenges structural and racial inequities to promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities across Washington State. Matt Hill is an attorney and team leader of the Human Right to Housing Project at the Public Justice Center (PJC). Murnaghan, Jr. PJC seeks to enforce and expand the rights of people who suffer injustice because of their poverty or discrimination. The change in practice comes after several months of advocacy by members of BRU, including the Public Justice Center, to stop illegal practices like this one, cut the Sheriff’s Office budget, and reallocate the funds to support the City’s right to counsel in evictions program. In this year’s legislative session, we advocated for bills on the employment status and compensation of home care workers, eligibility for federally funded unemployment benefits, acceleration of increasing the minimum wage to $15, and the enforcement of state Our Tenant Advocacy Project offers eviction prevention legal services. Issues We Can Help With. But there are steps you can take to turn that “No” into a “Yes. Samantha Gowing (she/her/hers) joined the Public Justice Center’s Human Right to Housing Project in September 2022. The Human Right to Housing Project seeks to protect and expand tenants’ rights to safe, habitable, affordable, and non-discriminatory housing and to fair and equal treatment by Maryland’s landlord-tenant laws, courts, and agencies. Being denied housing due to something in your tenant screening report can be discouraging. The Court sanctioned one landlord at the Public Justice Center’s request for repeatedly filing rent complaints without a good faith basis. The Fellow works at the Public Justice Center in our Appellate Advocacy Project. to be allowed to dump tenants’ belongings on the streets when evicting them. Last fall, PolicyLink launched the Housing Justice on the Ballot webinar series. They bring a depth of experience, knowledge, and creativity to their roles as attorneys, paralegals, and administrative and fundraising staff. English. The Public Justice Center took on this practice in Hunter v. Drawing on insights from clients, community groups, and advocates, we explore the common barriers people face and identify strategies to address them. In the Mar 28, 2022 · In two recent amicus briefs filed in the Court of Appeals of Maryland, the PJC, Civil Justice, the Homeless Persons Representation Project, and Maryland Legal Aid connect the crisis of substandard housing to the legacy of segregation in Baltimore and argue that tenants can enforce their rights under the licensing law and via Maryland consumer Aug 6, 2024 · HOTMA (Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act), which revised federal statutory law governing all of HUD’s housing programs, the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and HUD’s revised inspection standards according to the 2023 National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). Here are a few of the ways we stand up for justice. What We Do. 'What if There's Too Much Privacy?' with Michele Gilman (Ep. Written by. We teamed up with the Paralyzed Veterans of America (a nonprofit that represents veterans with spinal cord injuries) to author an amicus brief addressing the impact that landlord liability for tenant-on-tenant harassment would have on people with disabilities, including veterans. 1 day ago · Medical Debt Relief Resources. According to Matt Hill, an attorney at Public Justice Center and co-counsel for plaintiffs: “This opinion rejects the numerous reasons that Westminster gave for charging excessive fees and calling such fees ‘rent’ and should serve as a warning to other landlords who engage in these practices. Rent disputes; Rental Assistance (ERAP) advice and help; Housing conditions/repairs; Income recertifications; Subsidy Jul 11, 2024 · During the 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly, the Public Justice Center and fellow members of Renters United Maryland advocated for the Tenant Possessions Recovery Act (HB 1114 / SB 992), which would have provided renting families notice of a scheduled eviction date and a limited opportunity to reclaim their belongings after eviction. This project is currently undergoing some structural changes and is not operational. Dec 12, 2022 · For the past 11 years, Zafar Shah has served as an attorney in the Public Justice Center’s Human Right to Housing Project. ” Supervising Attorney, Tenant Advocacy Project · Experience: Justice and Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco · Education: Golden Gate University · Location: San Francisco Renee previously served as housing services chief with Arlington County, Virginia; as administrator of the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs for Montgomery County, Maryland; and as advocate and manager for the Public Justice Center’s Tenant Advocacy Project. For two decades, attorney Sally Dworak-Fisher has been a passionate and persistent advocate for justice at the Public Justice Center. The housing crisis brought on by rising rents is hitting communities of color, single parent households, people with disabilities, and veterans particularly hard. December 15, 2020. He has been an integral part of the PJC’s mission of building a just society, providing legal representation, support for advocacy campaigns Nov 25, 2020 · The Cancer Advocacy Project provides cancer patients and survivors with no-cost legal information, advice, and brief services. During three hearings in January and June, BRU testified and Introduced by County Executive Johnny Olszewski, the HOME Act is foundational to ongoing efforts by the Public Justice Center, Homeless Persons Representation Project, Disability Rights Maryland, ACLU of Maryland, Maryland Legal Aid, Baltimore County NAACP, Bridge Maryland, and many other allies to remedy decades of discrimination in County Public Justice Center staff are dedicated advocates for economic justice and racial equity. ” You can sign up to meet with the JDC's Tenant Advocacy Project attorney via THIS CALENDLY LINK. 989. For resources in your area, contact the Washington State 2-1-1 at 2-1-1 from a landline, 206-461-3200 or 800-621-4636 or 206-461-3610 for TTY/hearing impaired calls. The PJC honored the named plaintiffs in this case with the 2016 John P. In July, the PJC submitted recommendations related to tenants’ rights in eviction court to the Committee’s Rules Review Subcommittee. May 19, 2015 · Public Justice Center (410) 625-9409, ext. But landlords frequently disregard the law, and some courts go along with it. She has been a champion for social and economic justice and anti-racism throughout her career as a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, attorney, educator, and volunteer. The Courtroom Advocacy Project (CAP) is an innovative pro bono program providing day-of-court, limited scope representation to consumers in Baltimore City and consumers in Prince George’s County District Courts as well as limited scope and full representation for tenants in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. 1616 – callers should be prepared to leave a message with their name, phone number, best times to reach them and a brief description of the non-eviction tenancy-related issue(s) they are dealing with. Brief also calls for Court of Appeals to safeguard tenants’ right to a full and fair trial. The award recognizes “students and alumni whose devotion to, and creative service in, the public interest exemplify the highest ideals of the Washington College of Law. Safe, affordable housing is disappearing throughout the city. In 1998-1999 he was able to continue his work as an AmeriCorps volunteer. We’re grateful to bill sponsor Councilmember Ryan Dorsey and all councilmembers who supported the bill. ” As described in the award bio, “Matt has represented hundreds of tenants facing eviction and substandard housing conditions. CONTACT: John Nethercut, (410) 400-6952, nethercutj@publicjustice. com Jeniece Jones, MPA, JD joined the Public Justice Center as Executive Director in January 2022. In the meantime, tenants should use our Lawyer Referral service if they need assistance. Broadway Overlook, and on March 26, the Court of Appeals of Maryland upheld tenants’ rights, ruling that landlords seeking to evict tenants must comply with the notice period before filing a complaint. We are grateful for his dedicated advocacy for housing justice and wish him all the best as he departs for a new role at Maryland Legal Aid. Baltimore Right to Counsel is supported by the Baltimore Renters United coalition and partners, https://bmorerentersunited. The Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) is a Student Practice Organization at Harvard Law School that provides zealous advocacy for current and prospective public housing tenants and mobile voucher holders in the greater Boston area. Eviction uproots families, jeopardizing Matt Hill is an attorney and team leader of the Human Right to Housing Project at the Public Justice Center (PJC). Here’s Levern, in 2007, on the right, with Keith Milligan, former PJC board president and volunteer, and Brother Frank O’Donnell, former director of the PJC’s Tenant Advocacy Project We pursue systemic change for social justice, economic and race equity, and fundamental human rights. In addition to her groundbreaking, envelope-pushing appellate advocacy, she brought her own vibrancy and intellect to our organizational anti-racism journey and to the Appellate Advocacy Project’s ongoing exploration of how to get courts to reckon with racism, past and present. , represents the tenants. ProjectHealth Advocacy Project. Public Justice Center, with co-counsel Thomas Minton of Goldman & Minton, P. On November 28, 2018, the Center for Justice filed a federal class action suit on behalf of all Rhode Island public-school students, asserting that they have a Constitutional right to an education that is being denied in underfunded school districts. Download in English Download in Spanish. To learn more about PJC staff, click on their names below. Levern assisted thousands of tenants fighting eviction and demanding safe housing conditions in his 24 years at the Public Justice Center, working as a certified paralegal and housing advocate. The Public Justice Center represented her in housing court, arguing that the landlord, in refusing to renew her lease and in trying to evict her, had retaliated against Ms. The. Jan 31, 2022 · BALTIMORE, MD – On January 24, Jeniece Jones, MPA, JD, became the new Executive Director of the Public Justice Center – a local and national leader in public interest law reform that uses systemic legal advocacy to pursue social justice, economic and race equity, and fundamental human rights for people who are struggling to provide for their basic needs. Maryland could prevent eviction and homelessness for 15,000 families with… Today the Maryland Eviction Prevention Funding Alliance (MEPFA) released new research showing that Maryland could prevent 15,000 families from being evicted each year through short-term eviction prevention funds, providing Dec 7, 2023 · In support of the Todmans, the Public Justice Center, Civil Justice, Homeless Persons Representation Project, and Maryland Legal Aid filed an amicus brief in October to demonstrate the devastating consequences the ordinance has on Marylanders living in poverty and urge the Court to affirm that tenants’ personal property is protected from such Some of the following resources are specific to King County. This page provides information on the eviction process in Baltimore City, but it is not legal advice. Lockett twice for her advocacy on behalf of the tenant’s association. PJC also operates a Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) for people facing eviction who have unlawful living conditions. Research & PublicationsFact Sheet. We defend renters facing eviction, demand repair of unsafe housing conditions, and represent renters seeking systemic relief from predatory landlord practices. “A right to counsel greatly increases the chance that families will remain in their homes and have their voices and concerns heard and addressed through the court system,” said Charisse Lue, attorney at the Public Justice Center. We are stronger when we do this work together, and we are grateful for our partnerships with community organizing groups, advocacy organizations, and private law firms. ” At Housing Justice Center, we assist many Minnesota tenants with this issue through our Renters Reclaim the Record project — call us at 1-800-429-1705 to learn more. August 13, 2020. org Camille Blake Fall, (202) 276-9459, camillejoan@yahoo. The Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) assists low-income tenants in San Francisco to avoid eviction by negotiating with landlords, rent boards, master tenants and property managers. The Public Justice Center successfully advocated for a law to stop this practice. “Just Cause” laws protect tenants from this kind of retaliation and promote housing stability for tenants and neighborhoods. NYCHA residents make up a diverse and longstanding community and face unique legal challenges created by New York City’s largest landlord and the historic divestment and mismanagement of public housing on the local, state, and federal level. Ms. Our experienced volunteer attorneys: prepare life-planning documents such as wills and advance medical and financial directives, counsel clients on issues related to discrimination in the workplace, and help challenge unjust treatment by health insurance companies. ” Jan 5, 2022 · FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. The Francis D. There is a severe power imbalance in Philadelphia between tenants and their landlords– 91% of tenants face evictions without lawyers. C. After more than 50 years at Venable practicing real estate law, Ronnie Reno joined the Public Justice Center in 2010 as a full-time, volunteer attorney with our Human Right to Housing Project. We advocate to change the law regarding evictions and to demand the development of equitable and sustainable affordable housing. IssuesMedical Debt. That’s where the Public Justice Center comes in. In 1999, Levern was hired as the Tenant Advocate/Case Manager. The PJC uses legal advocacy tools to pursue social justice, economic and race equity, and fundamental human rights for March 21, 2023. When the Public Justice Center and allies successfully advocated to strengthen Baltimore’s rental licensing and inspection law a few years ago, the message was clear: landlords who do not get their property licensed or inspected cannot charge rent or use the eviction court. Here’s how right to counsel will make an impact in Baltimore: Address the power imbalance in eviction court We also use class action lawsuits, advocacy with government agencies, and legislative advocacy to change practices and policies so that tenants can maintain stable and safe housing. The goal is to find a resolution before it reaches a point of eviction or homelessness. Local Enabling Legislation for Just Cause Eviction (HB 477/SB 644). But what if there is too much Compiled a comprehensive data policy evidence base for an ongoing, cross-department policy initiative; analysed key industry reports and 22 comparative data policy initiatives from both within the We pursue systemic change for social justice, economic and race equity, and fundamental human rights. Northwest Justice Project (NJP) provides free legal assistance to address fundamental human needs such as housing, family safety, income security, health care, education, and more. 237 Email. Public housing makes up 7% of the rental stock in New York City, and 1 in 17 of New Yorkers live in NYCHA housing. Through our Tenant Advocacy Project, we represent tenants in municipal court and bring affirmative cases against landlords and their agents when they break the law. From the courts to the state legislature, Sally’s work advanced the rights of workers, tenants, prisoners, and homeless students. Landlords often refuse to renew leases when tenants organize for their rights, demand that repairs be made, or complain about violations of the law. Founded in 1999 as the Housing Preservation Project, Housing Justice Center (HJC) is a nonprofit public interest advocacy and legal organization whose primary mission is to preserve and expand affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. January 5, 2022. The Public Justice Center and allies are contributing insights drawn from years of advocacy and the lived experiences of Marylanders of color. Communications Specialist. BALTIMORE, MD – Baltimore City tenants have settled a class-action lawsuit against rental management company Sage Management, LLC, fourteen months after asserting that the landlord engaged in the anti-consumer practice of “fee churning. org, including over 20 organizers, advocates, and tenant groups: Public Justice Center Jews United for Justice Maryland Access to Justice Commission Communities United Right to Housing Alliance Homeless Persons The Public Justice Center worked with the Homeless Persons Representation Project and a broad coalition of advocacy groups to support this legislation. Zafar reflects on his time at the PJC: The Public Justice Center pursues systemic change to build a just society. Apr 18, 2024 · In contrast, in New York City, where tenants have had the right to legal counsel in eviction cases since 2017, about 78% of tenants with legal representation were able to remain in their homes, according to the city’s Office of Civil Justice. In continuation of that critical work, PolicyLink and the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel (which the Public Justice Center facilitates) co-authored a guide for tenant organizers, housing advocates, legal advocates, and anyone interested in bringing housing justice to life by The Public Justice Center uses all the tools in the lawyer toolbox to work for economic justice and racial equity. Sarbanes Courage Award. Appellate Advocacy Fellowship allows a recent law graduate who has completed a judicial clerkship to spend a year engaging in appellate advocacy in the areas of civil rights and poverty law. Renee earned dual BA degrees in English and Spanish from the University of Maryland. With deep sadness, we share that our colleague Levern Blackmon passed away on August 8. She works in collaboration with Baltimore Renters United to support grassroots tenant organizing, provide outreach and education around tenants’ rights, and represent tenants in eviction cases. Critical housing bills were supported by a broad range of stakeholders beyond housing advocates, including Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center, Civil Advocacy Clinic at the University of Baltimore School of Law, Community Mediation Maryland, Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County, Maryland Access to Justice Commission, Maryland Aug 23, 2022 · To support the interests of low-income tenants in these cases, the Public Justice Center, Civil Justice, the Homeless Persons Representation Project, and Maryland Legal Aid filed amicus briefs about the substandard housing crisis in Baltimore and the role that state-sanctioned segregation played in shaping the current Baltimore housing market Murnaghan Appellate Advocacy Fellowship. The Public Justice Center provides free legal assistance, depending on capacity, to 1) renters in Baltimore City who are facing eviction or have questions about their rights; and 2) renters statewide whose landlords are in foreclosure. The Then, a couple months later, the landlord filed a court case to evict her. We advocate: In the courts The PJC’s Workplace Justice Project promotes justice and equity in the workplace. Stories of Justice Construction workers win unpaid wages and damages in longstanding case Information for Tenants. Stories of Justice Construction workers win unpaid wages and damages in longstanding case Levern first came to the PJC in 1996 through PJC’s Tenant Advocacy Training Project, which trained him as a volunteer lay advocate to represent tenants on the District Court’s rent docket. The city saw a 41% decrease in evictions in 2019 compared to 2013. You can also call 415. Jen Sharp. All Issues Our Programs Latest Updates Tenants’ Rights Defending tenants facing eviction, displacement, and homelessness. 211) Policymakers often discuss privacy as something that is lacking. ytix zdsg hnfpedb gquee evdvmf uywcpbuz ggpjg ueban jjxr fyyeb