We are focused on doing our part to identify and eliminate barriers to economic equity and mobility in our community. One shining example is Right to Counsel – Cleveland (RTC-C).
This unique public-private partnership, developed by the City of Cleveland, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (LASC), and our United Way, prevents evictions and unwanted moves by providing tenants with access to free, high-quality legal representation. Our partners have depended upon us to help launch the program, manage the associated contract, raise awareness about RTC-C by providing marketing/outreach, evaluate the program for effectiveness, and use data findings to advocate for funding support and program modifications.
Here’s the good news – it is clear from the data we have collected over the past three-and-a-half years that RTC-C works:
- Since RTC-C began in July 2020, nearly 3,500 eligible Cleveland tenant households have been assisted by Right to Counsel.
- When represented by a Legal Aid attorney, 86% of clients were able to prevent an eviction or involuntary move.
The Legal Aid Society has done an incredible job facilitating the program and directly assisting clients with their expressed needs and goals. In 2023, approximately 16% of defendants/tenants were represented in Cleveland landlord-tenant filings. Prior to RTC-C, approximately 2% to 3% were represented.
This partnership is truly something our community should be proud of. Cleveland was the fourth city in the nation – and the first midwestern city – to pass legislation giving tenants a right to free legal counsel in Cleveland Housing Court. According to the independent evaluation conducted by Stout, RTC-C continues to be a national leader in eviction right to counsel innovations, including exploring interventions that are complementary, dedicating resources to community and stakeholder engagement, and advocating for its sustainability.
I am thrilled to see that RTC-C’s leadership and results are attracting additional interest, as we always hoped it would. Recently, our partners at Legal Aid Society received the following major gifts to continue and expand access to RTC-C and other impactful programs in our community:
Imagine what might be possible with this ongoing support of and continued progress of RTC-C:
- More of us experiencing the stability, dignity, and independence of staying in our homes, instead of housing instability and the threat of homelessness.
- More of our children staying in school with their friends, instead of having their education abruptly disrupted by unplanned or unwanted moves.
- More parents and caretakers going to work without worrying about the threat of displacement at home.
RTC-C empowers tenants, prevents unjust evictions, and ensures safe, affordable, and stable housing for so many Northeast Ohio families. It serves as a beacon of hope, showing that, with the right partners, appropriate resources, and collective will, it is possible to create a more just and equitable society for all.
