Mid-Shore Pro Bono offers new counsel services for tenants facing eviction

MARYLAND- Mid-Shore Pro Bono is expanding its services to now offer tenants facing eviction legal representation.

The move comes as the organization received grant funding from the Maryland Legal Services Corporation and Equal Justice Works and will go to support four new staff members for its housing initiative.

We’re told most of these cases involve tenants who’ve ran into financial struggles and have failed to pay rent.

As many COVID-19 emergency assistance programs are set to end, the organization’s director says tenants should take advantage of these services fast.

She adds, access to legal counsel typically provides better outcomes for tenants. “Often times it’s really difficult for folks to be able to negotiate on their behalf because they’re fearful of if they’re going to lose their home and that’s really challenging,” Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Girard said.

“In addition, there are often times when tenants have really significant defenses and its hard to know without having an attorney what those defenses might be.”

To be eligible for these services you must meet the income qualification of at least 50% of Maryland’s median income.

For those who make above that, we’re told there are resources available for legal counsel at a reduced rate.

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