(PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla.) - Across the state, Floridians face the challenge of finding affordable housing in their neighborhoods. The housing crisis can be attributed to a combination of economic factors, disproportionally impacting low- and middle-income communities. For those relying on Section 8, maintaining housing assistance is crucial to preventing homelessness.
Recently, one of our clients who received Section 8 housing assistance, found herself behind on rent due to a cut in her hours at work and health issues. This resulted in an eviction notice, forcing our client to relocate. Unsure how to move forward, she reached out for legal help from Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS).
FRLS, our non-profit law firm, has been an advocate forlow-income communities since 1966 and helps qualified residents in 13 Florida counties and farmworkers statewide with civil legal matters like public benefits, housing, and more.
Victorious Outcome:
After moving out of her apartment, our client struggled to make ends meet and needed FRLS’s help finding new housing that accepted Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA). Our team helped her search for new housing and negotiated with the Housing Authority to secure the necessary funds to protect our client’s access to affordable and secure housing. On top of this successful outcome, our team made sure our client had food on the table and the resources to find a new job by recommending food pantries and getting her in touch with CareerSource.
FRLS assists eligible clients with a range ofhousing-related issues, including stopping illegal shutoffs, securing public housing, and combatting unlawful fees. We believe that Florida’s low-income communities deserve the right to safe, stable, and secure housing, and our team regularly advocates to enact this mission.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS)
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.