Hotline Number 312-738-9200 |
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The Early Resolution Program (ERP)
for Housing and Debt Issues
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“Amanda” was experiencing a pending eviction and was having difficulty getting answers. Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created economic and social turmoil in Cook County, affecting thousands of people like Amanda.
Given the high probability of a flood of evictions and consumer debt actions, the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Chicago Department of Housing, the Chicago Bar Foundation, the Chicago Bar Association, legal aid and government representatives, and community partners developed The Early Resolution Program (ERP).
ERP includes free legal aid, mediation services, and connections to other resources, including rental assistance. ERP is being provided through Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) hotline, a county-wide initiative to help resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues.
With knowledge of this program, Amanda called the hotline and spoke to a CARPLS attorney who gave her legal advice and ultimately referred her to a partner organization that specializes in helping clients with disabilities. Amanda said, “CARPLS and the ERP hotline were very professional and gave me the information that I needed. They gave me an amazing referral. Thank you."
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CARPLS Statement On Chauvin Verdict |
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On April 20, 2021, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd on May 29, 2020.
With the Chauvin verdict, a jury of our peers acted as the voice and conscience of our community, and was able to provide some relief to George Floyd’s family and the millions of people who protested his death in the last year.
This verdict marks a first step in addressing ongoing systemic racism. We hope that this case marks the beginning of an improved justice system, working fairly one step at a time, and that people can have greater faith in the justice system going forward.
This day of reckoning and justice served are long overdue, but the fact remains that our communities are suffering. The tragic and horrific death of George Floyd, and many others, serve as a stark reminder that racial inequity, civil rights violations, and unnecessary loss of human life continue to take place. Our society is rightfully outraged at the continuing injustices occurring in communities of color. Change starts with one guilty verdict and does not reflect the end of the struggle.
In just our work, we see how racial inequity pervades the legal sphere, making it difficult for people from communities of color to stay in their homes, stay out of debt, feel safe, and even get an attorney to talk to them. The pandemic has only exacerbated these inequities.
It’s not fair, and it needs to change.
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Client Receives Cannabis Expungement Help From New Leaf Illinois |
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"Mary" contacted New Leaf Illinois for help with a 2018 cannabis conviction. She is currently staying in temporary housing and is relearning the necessary skills to reintegrate into society. Mary was desperate to clear her record.
The New Leaf attorney helped the client understand her criminal records.
Mary said, “I was so apprehensive about my future because of my legal record. But after talking to the CARPLS attorney, I received info and motivation to move forward and seal and expunge my qualifying records and put it behind me.”
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Congrats to Leslie Corbett, Zach Zarnow, Lisa Colpoys, Susan Lewers, and Cathy Schneider of team JusticeinQUIZition for winning CARPLS' Trivia!
Thank you to our sponsors Alvarez & Marsal, Caliber Advisers, The Kraft Heinz Company, The Legal Writing Connection, Legility, and O'Hagan Meyer.
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Illinois Rental Payment Program |
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The Illinois Housing Development Authority will start accepting applications for the Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) in mid-May.
Eligible tenants may receive up to $25,000 in rental assistance.
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Blue Star Families Survey |
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CARPLS Legal Aid is proud to support the 2021 Blue Star Families survey, happening April 27 - June 6.
We need your help to be a voice for the military-connected community!
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CARPLS | 17 N. State Street | Suite 1850 | Chicago | Illinois | 60602 | carpls.org
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