Kansas City Freebie 'Right To Counsel' Reduces Eviction Rate And Probably Revenue

A recent press release from 12th & Oak offers hope for po'folk and a warning to property owners. 

But who cares about basic economics???

Check this free rent advocacy that's clearly making an impact for better and worse. 

Sure, nobody wants po'folk forced out into the street but there's really not a workable plan for the impact of this public policy that'll eventually cause affordable housing to become even more scarce. And none of these political power moves seem to plan for a time when public largess runs out . . . To be fair, that'll likely happen AFTER the midterms.

For now we merely quote the hopeful news that works to help shift the basic tenants of capitalism in service of a local tenant advocacy group that demands free housing . . .

Hundreds of Kansas Citians are experiencing positive change thanks to the City’s new Right to Counsel Program. Implemented on June 1, 2022, the program offers free legal services to those on the verge of eviction. This summer, lawyers successfully completed 75 cases resulting in agreements with landlords, dismissals, or the opportunity for a judge to hear their case.

Between June 1 to September 1, 2022 372 Cases Received, 243 Cases in Process, 75 Cases Resolved

The program is a partnership with Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Heartland Center for Jobs, and Freedom and the UMKC School of Law. Assistance is offered to all Kansas City residents no matter what county they live in. The City is also working with Community Care Link to review and refer applicants to the appropriate organization. This is the 13th program of its kind in the nation.

Prior to the pandemic, 99% of cases filed in Jackson County resulted in evictions. In the first three months of the Right to Counsel Program the City is seeing a drastic change. Initial data indicates having a lawyer paired with rental assistance shows an eviction rate less than 20%.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Kansas City program helping residents stay housed - New Right to Counsel program providing strong voice for tenants facing eviction

Hundreds of Kansas Citians are experiencing positive change thanks to the City's new Right to Counsel Program. Implemented on June 1, 2022, the program offers free legal services to those on the verge of eviction. This summer, lawyers successfully completed 75 cases resulting in agreements with landlords, dismissals, or the opportunity for a judge to hear their case.

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