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Monday, November 23, 2009
Law - "Hammond Legal aid clinic sees a surge in demand"
Steve Zabroski reports today in the NWI Times in a story that begins:
Uncertain circumstances triggered by the economy have brought record numbers of residents to the Hammond Legal Aid Clinic's downtown offices for help.The nonprofit agency just completed its fifth year of pro bono, or free, legal services, and applications for advice and demand for help with employment-related problems have increased, clinic director Kris Costa Sakelaris said.
Records the clinic keeps list more than 1,600 residents who have sought legal support since the clinic opened in 2004, with nearly 400 visiting the offices, 5261 Hohman Ave., this year.
People in the past have asked for help with family law, consumer finance and housing, Sakelaris said, but this year, problems relating to Medicare benefits, predatory lending and unemployment benefits top the list for applicants.
"It seems like we have seen more people on the brink of crisis than ever before," Sakelaris said. "Many families are not only facing some legal problem but are worried about how they will keep a roof over their head or provide the next meal."
Posted by Marcia Oddi on November 23, 2009 09:31 AM
Posted to Indiana Law