Free legal aid and mediation services for landlords and residents as moratoriums on evictions expire

Cook County officials highlight Cook County housing and debt legal aid as an alternative to evictions for homeowners

Cook County, IL- (ENEWSPF) – Cook County Board Chairman Toni Preckwinkle joined representatives from Chief Justice Timothy C. Evans’s office, Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton , to Chicago Bar Foundation Executive Director Bob Glaves, and community leaders to remind the public of a vital resource for landlords and tenants as federal and local moratoria on evictions expire. Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) is a county-wide initiative that helps residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax bill issues.

“Now that the federal and state moratoriums on evictions have expired, we urge landlords to seek all alternatives to filing an eviction request when faced with issues with tenants,” President Preckwinkle said . “Housing insecurity and homelessness have been shown to lead to food insecurity, domestic violence, mental illness, preventable health problems and addiction. Let’s work together to keep our communities healthy and our most vulnerable residents housed as we contemplate recovery. “

The federal moratorium set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local eviction moratoria put in place by the state of Illinois both expired on July 31. Homeowners can file eviction documents with Cook County courts starting August 1 and all aspects of evictions can go ahead on September 1, meaning judges can order evictions and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office can execute the orders.

“The court system should be a last resort for landlords seeking to resolve tenant issues,” Chief Justice Evans said. “CCLAHD exists to help homeowners and residents effectively reach a resolution that is fair for everyone involved. Before you deposit, contact us and consider all of your options.

In Cook County, filing and serving an eviction can cost homeowners up to $ 700, not including attorney fees. Soliciting new tenants for an empty apartment after an eviction can cost an average of $ 2,500. The cost to the community is also substantial – studies show that homelessness costs taxpayers between $ 30,000 and $ 50,000 for every homeless person.

“We know the burden on homeowners is enormous. That’s why Cook County is here to help homeowners continue to do what they do best – provide housing, ”said Commissioner Scott Britton. “CCLAHD offers homeowners an alternative that saves everyone time, energy and money. “

Through a network of community partners, CCLAHD provides free legal assistance, counseling, pre-judicial mediation and case management to residents and landlords facing eviction issues. Services are available in several languages, including Spanish and Polish. CCLAHD can also help connect landlords with rental assistance resources through community partners. CCLAHD partners include:

• CARPLS
• Conflict Resolution Center
• Center for Disability and Elder Law
• Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
• Greater Chicago Legal Clinic
• Advocates committee for better housing
• Chicago Legal Aid
• Legal Aid Society

“CCLAHD’s network of exceptional community and legal aid partners has already served thousands of landlords and tenants and helped negotiate hundreds of settlement agreements,” said Bob Glaves, CEO of the Chicago Bar Foundation . “When owners and residents come to the table to negotiate in good faith, everyone wins. “

Homeowners and residents interested in learning more or connecting with CCLAHD are encouraged to call 855-956-5763 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit www.cookcountylegalaid.org.