Legal Services (LSSCM) receives a $10,000 grant

LANSING, MI--Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) has received a $10,000 grant from the Capital Regional Community Foundation for its homeless prevention program in the tri-county area. LSSCM represents homeowners and tenants facing a loss of their home, assists individuals in attaining and maintaining a stable household income and represents survivors of domestic violence to assure they have a safe home and have income to provide for the basic needs including housing. Last year, LSSCM provided free legal advice and/or representation to 1934 low income families in the tri-county area. "We are very pleased with this new grant to help us protect the basic legal rights of low income individuals and families," said Lori Pourzan, Managing Attorney of LSSCM's Lansing office. "If LSSCM can prevent a family from becoming homeless, it is less costly for our community and so important to the family." LSSCM represents individuals with nowhere else to turn for free civil legal assistance. There is a significant need for the services LSSCM provides. Recent data from the American Community Service indicates that over 30% of the population (133,598 people) in the tri?county area has income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.This equates to $38,180 for a family of four. LSSCM has a demonstrated history of preventing homelessness through civil legal representation in housing, income, and domestic violence cases. Each year, more than 95% of the families LSSCM represents achieve positive outcomes. With recent state and federal funding cuts, Lee Reimann, Partner at Willingham Coté and LSSCM Board Member, was pleased with the grant award. "We have been working hard to do a better job getting information to the community about LSSCM's important work and ability to help the most vulnerable members in our community," said Reimann. "Legal aid offices in communities with more local support are able to represent and help more families in need." Published: Thu, Oct 11, 2012

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