Illinois’ Cook County has launched a new initiative aimed at helping resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues. The initiative, entitled Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (“CCLAHD”), provides Cook County residents and landlords access to legal assistance, counseling, case management and mediation services. The CCLAHD initiative comes as a result of a partnership between the County, Cook County Circuit Court, the Chicago Bar Foundation and a variety of community partners including Coordinated Advice & Referral Program for Legal Services (“CARPLS”), the Center for Conflict Resolution, Center for Disability and Elder Law, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, Greater Chicago Legal Clinic, Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, Legal Aid Chicago and Legal Aid Society.
The new CCLAHD initiative is currently operating its first program, the Early Resolution Program (“ERP”) and expects to start several more. Under the ERP, pro bono services will be offered to Cook County residents without legal representation including (1) tenants facing eviction, (2) landlords dealing with an eviction, (3) debtors being sued for unpaid debts, (4) creditors suing on the basis of unpaid debts and (5) residents who have defaulted on property tax payments or mortgage foreclosure payments. News outlets report that Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has indicated that there will also be a tax deed specific program that will launch sometime in 2021. Those interested in learning more about the ERP or volunteering may visit the CCLAHD website.
