“As lawyers, we have a unique ability to step in and help people navigate a complicated system and to advocate on their behalf, and pro bono is a chance to put these skills to use.
Helping someone in need find a place to live for the future–so they have stability in their life and can try to move forward and find a job–that type of work is essential.” – Rob Donoghue, Associate, WilmerHale
WilmerHale Associate Rob Donoghue first met Thomas* at a Legal Clinic at Pine Street Inn.
Thomas did not have a place of his own and had spent time staying with different family and friends. He was seeking legal assistance after his application for income-restricted housing was denied. The third-party company that performed the application screening had determined that Thomas was financially ineligible for the income-restricted housing based on an annual income projection that included previous temporary employment.
With Rob’s help, Thomas appealed the application company’s decision and submitted additional documentation to establish that his prior temporary employment could not be projected as recurring income. They also submitted a letter stating that the additional documentation demonstrated that Thomas was eligible for the income-restricted housing unit.
After receiving the additional documentation and letter, the application company granted Thomas’s appeal and certified that he was financially eligible for the low-income housing unit. It then forwarded his application to the local housing authority for final review and approval. The housing authority determined that Thomas was financially eligible and approved his application.
Thomas signed his lease and officially moved in to his new apartment on June 1. He told Rob he is excited about having his own place and his outlook for the future.
*Client’s name has been changed to protect privacy.
