The Colorado Poverty Law Project’s Pro Bono Eviction Program
Eviction can equate to a sentence of homelessness. This is especially true for the indigent and disabled as an eviction often results in forfeiture of an individual’s subsidized housing and other benefits. In addition, the lack of rental units available to low-income individuals increases the likelihood of homelessness. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, “There is no state in the country where someone earning either the state or federal minimum wage can afford even a one- bedroom apartment renting at the HUD Fair Market Rent.”
Obtaining housing becomes increasingly more difficult when an individual has an eviction on their credit record. Unfortunately, many individuals are subject to eviction procedures even when they have meritorious defenses simply because they do not know their rights or are not able to effectively represent themselves in court. It does not have to be that way.
The Colorado Poverty Law Project (CPLP) has spent the past six months developing an Eviction Pilot Program in partnership with the Denver County Court Self-Help Center. As part of this pilot program, when an indigent individual visits the Self-Help Center seeking assistance in an eviction proceeding and can articulate a meritorious defense to the eviction, the Self-Help Center refers the case to CPLP. CPLP then connects the individual with a pro bono attorney to assist. This program complements CPLP’s monthly legal clinic in partnership with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) and furthers CPLP’s mission to provide law related services to individuals facing homelessness.
The Eviction Pilot Program has been a success thus far. CPLP has coordinated over 25 referrals of eviction cases to volunteers for pro bono representation. Of these cases, the overwhelming majority have resulted in favorable outcomes for the tenants and the avoidance of evictions on their records. We now need your help to expand this program and continue to offer this important service!
We will be conducting a CLE training session on the basics of the Pro Bono Eviction Program and relevant law on Thursday October 15, 2015 from 3-5 p.m. at Kutak Rock LLP, 1801 California St. Suite 3000, Denver. At this CLE, attendees will receive guidance and training on the eviction process first hand from two Denver County Court judges who regularly handle eviction cases, Judge Adam Espinosa and Judge Clarisse Gonzales. The training will include an overview of landlord-tenant law and forcible entry and detainer procedures, as well as an interactive training with the judges on handling an eviction case. This incredible opportunity to learn about this area of law is open to the public and there is no obligation for CLE attendees to volunteer.
Eviction cases normally are of very short duration (approximately 1-2 weeks) and provide excellent courtroom and negotiation experience. We also welcome law students interested in participating under the guidance of a supervising attorney. Please RSVP to Caitlin Finn at contact@copovertylawproject.org if you are interested in attending the CLE on October 15, 2015 or learning more about the Pro Bono Eviction Program.
