COMMUNITY IMPACT
As Rents Rise, Legal Services Protects
One Family’s Home
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Rents in Miami continue to soar, making it extremely difficult for low-income tenants like Summer to afford to live in Miami. Summer lives in Section 8 housing, and the rental housing program’s standards established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have not kept up with Miami rents. Summer came to Legal Services for assistance after her rent was increased by a large amount, and Section 8 would not approve the new rate.
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Legal Services Advocacy Director Sean Rowley made a request to the housing authority for an increased payment standard as an accommodation given the family members’ disabilities, because the disabilities would have made moving very difficult. The housing authority approved the accommodation, and the family’s rental portion was reduced by more than 75%. This means that the family could afford to stay in their home and were not displaced.
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If you are a tenant in need of legal assistance, please contact our office. To apply for services, CLICK HERE or call 305-576-0080.
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THIS MONTH ON SOCIAL:
Celebrating Women’s History Month
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In honor of Women’s History Month, Legal Services proudly recognizes the group of female leaders who established The Legacy Society of Legal Services. These pioneers have aligned their passion and resolve in building a community of equal justice through sound gift planning. They are all powerful leaders from diverse fields — public interest, commercial real estate, and academia — who are leading the charge to effect change and build a stronger community for generations to come.
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We are honored by their commitment to social justice and trust in us to do the work ahead. Check out our posts throughout the month of March.
To learn more about our planned giving program and join them as a member of The Legacy Society, contact Jennifer Geeker, CFRE.
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LEGAL SERVICES HOLDS SUCCESSFUL PANEL DISCUSSION ON "HOUSING INSECURITY: WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS”
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On February 23rd, we hosted our Annual Business Breakfast Panel on “Housing Insecurity: What It Means for You & Your Business” featuring moderator Matt Haggman (Opportunity Miami) and panelists Annie Lord (Miami Homes for All), Alberto Milo Jr. (Related Urban Development Group), and Jason Smith (Office of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava). Haggman set the stage by citing that both Miami and Hialeah had soared towards the top of the lists of expensive U.S. cities to live in as of last year. While rent prices and property taxes and insurance continue to surge, the panelists discussed the importance of keeping residents in their homes through marshalling all available resources. The panelists agreed that the affordability crisis is personal to everyone, and everyone has a role to play. Through open discussions on the crisis, public and private partnerships, and our community coming together, the housing shortage can be rectified.
Legal Services is eternally grateful for our repeat sponsor, Greenberg Traurig, and all speakers for their expertise and perspective.
To learn more, READ HERE the press release published in The Florida Bar News. To view the complete event photo album, CLICK HERE.
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Get to know a little more about our Chief Advocacy Officer Jeff Hearne recently featured in Locals to Know in The New Tropic.
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We are pleased to announce that our very own CEO Monica Vigues-Pitan was a guest on Bast Amron’s The Practice Podcast. Tune in to hear about her career trajectory and more on Legal Services.
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PRO BONO GRATITUDE CORNER |
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Legal Services congratulates the Association of Corporate Counsel, South Florida (ACC) for another successful pro bono clinic. The ACC graciously sponsored last month’s first in-person Tenants’ Equal Justice Clinic and created opportunities for about 20 volunteers to serve about a dozen clients with much-needed legal assistance. The clinic brought together ACC member attorneys from the offices of ADP, King & Spalding, Nelson Mullins, Salesforce.com, Inc., The Swatch Group (U.S.), Inc., and Velocity Solutions, as well as participating attorneys from DLA Piper and The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
According to ADP Senior Counsel Carlos Cardelle (Legal Services Board Member) and ADP Managing Senior Counsel Nikki Setnor, “ACC was honored to partner with Legal Services to support its landlord/tenant clinic. Legal Services provided exceptional training to the volunteer attorneys who assisted the community with housing disputes. At a time when the community faces such significant challenges, the services provided through Legal Services are truly invaluable. We look forward to our continued partnership to help address the most critical needs of our community.”
Egla who received assistance from the attorneys at the clinic described them as “...excellent, full of humility, and with high professional standards...”
We thank the ACC and all the pro bono attorneys who made a meaningful difference for clients like Egla.
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For information on how you can support our pro bono efforts, please contact Pro Bono Director Carolina de Diego.
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We extend our thanks to The Big Lots Foundation for awarding us a grant that supports our housing-related work in the community. We were selected by local associates from over 2500 applicants! Thank you for standing with us while we Build a Community of Equal Justice!
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To learn how you can help Legal Services make a difference, contact Annual Fund Director Jennifer Geeker, CFRE.
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OUR 2022 ANNUAL REPORT IS OUT |
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We are pleased to share Legal Services’ 2022 Annual Report now available to read online. This report highlights our many achievements and impact, made possible by our loyal donors and supporters. We can’t thank you enough for your commitment and support! READ HERE
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Please Join Us for Our 14th Annual HeART of Giving Celebration & Judicial Reception Honoring
Alan Greer, Esq. and Dr. Pedro “Joe” Greer
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Please join Legal Services on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the Rubell Museum as we proudly present the 2023 Equal Justice Leadership Award to Alan Greer, Esq., Of Counsel at Day Pitney LLP and recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the field of legal service, and the 2023 Equal Justice Humanitarian Award to Dr. Pedro “Joe” Greer, Dean for the Roseman University College of Medicine and awarded a MacArthur “genius grant,” a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Great Floridian Award. They both have greatly contributed to building a community of justice throughout Miami Dade County, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to honor them.
CLICK HERE for sponsorship opportunities and to purchase tickets.
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Let's stay in touch! We want to ensure we are keeping you informed on the latest programs and events. Please take a moment to update your information HERE. |
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Many of you have asked how you can support our mission during these challenging times. We are working harder than ever to build a community of equal justice & we thank you for being such an important part of the Legal Services family. We are all in this together. Please consider making a donation or providing pro bono support:
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