As we usher in a new year, we want to share an update on the heartfelt story from last month that beautifully illustrates the power of compassion and support from our community.

Last month, we shared the story of a client who, just a day before Thanksgiving, approached us in a state of deep distress. A fire had ravaged his apartment building, leaving him unhoused right before the holiday season. Although the Red Cross offered temporary shelter, he was facing an uncertain future following a short hospital stay. In this difficult time, he sought our help after a disappointing experience with another agency, clinging to the hope of a miracle.

Our devoted advocate of 17 years, Paula, recognized the urgency of his situation. With empathy and determination, she took immediate action. Paula contacted the landlord to emphasize not only the legal obligations but also the human aspect of the situation. Thanks to the assistance of Pine Tree Legal, we were able to secure a hotel room for him for a week, providing a safe haven while he waited for repairs on his home.

UPDATE!

A week after securing temporary shelter, he was still unable to return home, and the weight of his financial situation was beginning to take its toll. With December rent already deducted, he found himself facing dwindling resources and newfound uncertainty. Paula once again took proactive steps, reaching out to City Code officials. She learned that property management needed to apply for one of two necessary permits: one for repairing non-compliant decks and another for proper bathroom venting. These permits could lead to a temporary occupancy permit, allowing our client and eight other tenants to return home.

Paula reached out to the property manager, who informed her that they had submitted a permit application, but it had been revoked soon after. He assured Paula that he would work on resolving the issue. She made it clear that if she didn't receive confirmation of their client's return by Friday morning, she would visit their office to retrieve his December rent.

In a heartwarming turn of events, just days before Christmas, the municipality issued a temporary occupancy permit for eight apartments in the building, including our clients. When we spoke with him, he was home with his three beloved feline companions, snuggled together with a warm mug of tea.

The property management had 40 days to complete the required repairs. Our client assured us that he would keep us updated, and Pine Tree Legal Assistance will be there to ensure he and others remain safe and warm in their homes during Maine's cold winter months.

As we look forward to the challenges that this new year may bring, we are reminded of the importance of your support. Times can be tough, and uncertainty often looms, but one thing is certain: Pine Tree Legal will stand firm for the people of Maine, as we always have, because of you. 

Together, we grow stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient, committing ourselves to making sure everyone has access to the legal help they need to remain safe in 2025.

What brought you to Pine Tree and what did you do before?

"I wanted to work at Pine Tree because I have a deep commitment to legal services work. I have worked in many different areas of practice, including private and JD advantage, but have always been committed to pro bono and access to justice."

What is your favorite board game?

"Scrabble."

Tell us about your pets!

"Reynard is my chihuahua-mutt mix that we adopted from a shelter. He was a stray that had been living on the streets for some time. He is such a loving dog and only wants a full belly and warm lap to sleep in."

If you could pick one song to play every time you enter a room, what would it be?

"I'm Every Woman by Chaka Khan"

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

"Wilson Phillips' first album!"

What does justice mean to you?

"Justice means the recognition of a wrong by our society and the righting of the wrong through an impartial arbiter or jury."

Many of our clients come to us during times of despair and vulnerability, feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances. The act of seeking help is a courageous step and can mark the beginning of a journey towards renewed strength and resilience. Unfortunately, our clients and staff often don’t have opportunities to demonstrate their strength beyond the courtroom setting.

Recently, Pine Tree Legal Assistance participated in a Day of Advocacy for VOCA services at the State House in Augusta, a powerful display of solidarity and strength. During this event, we had the opportunity to share insights about our work with legislators and other key stakeholders. We were honored to be joined by four Pine Tree clients and several supportive friends, two of whom spoke to the media and a large audience that included numerous legislators, all with advocates by their side.

Read more here:

She escaped with the help of Maine victim services that now face ‘catastrophic cuts’

Organizations that provide free services to victims say they need $6 million from the state to keep up their aid after a severe, ongoing drop in federal funding.

As we carry on with our important work, we sincerely thank you for your unwavering support. Your generosity provides vital resources for families fleeing abuse and enables us to advocate for a safer environment for all in Maine.

Together, we are ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live free from fear and violence.

Members of the Maine Bar can support PTLA’s work by donating to the Campaign for Justice, a special collaborative fundraising effort by

Maine’s legal community to support legal aid.

I had the privilege of joining our clients and staff, along with advocates from our partner agencies at the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, and Legal Services for Maine Elders, at the recent VOCA advocacy day in the State House. The stories of the survivors who spoke up that day, like the story of our client whom Paula helped find housing this winter, show how the courageous acts of individual clients ultimately help many other people facing similar problems. 

When our client whose apartment had a fire reached out to Pine Tree for help before Thanksgiving, Paula's advocacy to support him also secured stable housing for eight other people, all because one person spoke up. Our clients who went to the State House explained to Legislators and the public how Pine Tree's legal services securing protection from abuse orders helped them escape and recover from severe violence and abuse. These clients' courage in coming forward about injustice, hardship and abuse will ripple outward, inspiring all of us to continue the daily work to make justice real in our communities. 

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