The City of Toledo is proud to share the success of the first year in a multiyear Right to Counsel (RTC) program in partnership with the Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO).
In 2021, Toledo City Council approved legislation which allocated $250,000 per year for five years to LAWO to guarantee that tenants facing eviction would have access to an attorney while in housing court.
During the first year of the RTC project, legal aid was provided to 222 households facing eviction. A total of 602 individuals were assisted by RTC staff, who represented tenants in 227 eviction cases.
In 210 of these cases, RTC staff provided comprehensive representation and limited assistance in five cases, with legal advice given in 12 others.
“We’re thrilled with the success of the Right to Counsel program in its first year,” said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz. “Every person deserves the right to have a roof over his or her head and live in dignity. With Right to Counsel, we are upholding the values of fairness and justice for all residents of Toledo.”
The city will continue to support this program in the coming years, providing more tenants with the legal representation they need to protect their homes and their rights.
“Tenants are at a significant disadvantage when facing the loss of their home through an eviction proceeding. The City of Toledo’s Right to Counsel ordinance has helped remedy that situation,” said Kevin Mulder, executive director of LAWO. “By representing tenants in these cases, we’re helping solve a crisis that often keeps people in poverty. We deeply appreciate the city’s support of this important project.”
For more information on the Right to Counsel program visit Legal Aid Line at legalaidline.lawolaw.org.
