New Orleans Legal Aid Organization Sees Rise in Foreclosures, Unemployment Calls

The head of the New Orleans legal aid office says calls for help from people who have lost their jobs have increased more than 600 percent. They are also being deluged with hundreds of calls from people who are being evicted.

Federal unemployment benefits are running out this week and attorneys with the office of Southeast Louisiana legal services are working overtime.

“I’m very worried because most of our clients live paycheck to paycheck and right now there is no paycheck coming in,” said Marie Wright with SLLS.

People fighting to keep their jobs and benefits are seeking legal help in droves.

“We’ve also seen a 670 percent increase in people seeking help with unemployment benefits,” said SLLS Director Laura Tuggle.

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