Providing Legal Help to the Poor During the Pandemic
The need for legal services has always been great and requests far exceed resources in normal times. As this pandemic unfolds, the need for help potentially will exceed anything we have ever experienced before.
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, along with other public interest civil legal advocates, are front-line responders of this justice crisis. Working remotely, we are finding ways to reach our clients through online education, Facebook Live webinars, virtual court hearings, and Zoom and Teams meetings.
When the courts reopen, tenants being sued for rent will need legal representation to protect their rights and to keep families from becoming homeless.
The laws and requirements for food stamps have also changed due to the coronavirus. People must have legal help to ensure they get the food assistance they are entitled to.
Similarly, people need help during this health crisis getting the health care they need through programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children’s Health Insurance program.
Additional resources are critically important to meet the needs of thousands of families impacted by the pandemic. During this unprecedented crisis, it is critical to work toward ensuring that all citizens survive the pandemic with their needs met and their rights intact.