These photos tell the story of three homeless clients and three volunteer lawyers who were brought together on April 5 through our bi-monthly Massachusetts Legal Clinics for the Homeless.
The clinic is designed to provide legal assistance for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and often times who may have otherwise slipped through the cracks of the legal system. The Clearinghouse’s role is to work with Boston shelters to organize the clinic, recruit and train volunteer lawyers from area firms and provide guidance along the way.
Julia Bramley, Kyle Crossley and Peter Billowz of Goulston & Storrs worked with homeless clients seeking pro bono legal assistance at Cardinal Medeiros Center, a day shelter for seniors that is housed at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, The center let us set up makeshift offices in pews to speak with clients about their legal needs. (Read more below…)
Three of the clients, Mohammed, Paul and Nat agreed to have their pictures taken and share their stories about why they came to the legal clinic. Mohammed said he needed help filing for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Paul and Nat both needed legal help resolving housing issues.
Paul, a resident at Shattuck Shelter, had pursued legal assistance before, but was discouraged by the narrow scope of legal services available at other organizations. He said his faith told him to give it another try by coming to our legal clinic.
“The best case scenario for me is that one of the attorneys will see that I have a valid issue and will be able to help me get my housing voucher back,” Paul said.
Another client who goes by the nickname “Nat” and is staying at Pine Street Inn said the cost of a consultation alone is unaffordable and that he is appreciative for the legal clinic. “To find lawyers who can take time out of their busy schedules and come to places where they can help people who really need it—one can only be grateful for that.”
Right now, the volunteer lawyers from Goulston & Storrs are looking into these clients’ cases to determine whether or not they or someone else at their firm will be able to assist them on a pro bono basis.
The Clearinghouse will be following up on these stories to let you know their results. Paul and Nat will also be featured in an upcoming video about the legal clinic, so be sure to check back and see what they have to say.
For more pictures of legal clinics and other Clearinghouse activities, like our Facebook page.
If you were helped by attending a legal clinic through the Lawyers Clearinghouse, please share your story with Holly Hartung (617) 778-1948.
