Name changed for privacy; photo not the client.
“Cynthia” came to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid after receiving a notice from her landlord demanding rent and threatening her with eviction. Soon thereafter, the landlord filed an eviction lawsuit.
Cynthia believed at the time that she had paid what she owed. She had rented her unit with a Housing Choice Voucher, which covered part of the rent. Due to delays by the local housing authority, the portion of the rent she owed was unclear for several months. Once she received the correct information, she had to catch up, which she thought she had done. But in fact, she had underpaid.
JALA represented Cynthia in the eviction lawsuit. Attorney Mary DeVries negotiated a payment plan in exchange for dismissal of the lawsuit, continuation of Cynthia’s tenancy, and partial waiver of late fees, which were around $500.
Cynthia then made her payment by certified mail to be delivered a post office box, but instead of taking three days, it took three weeks for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver it. During that time, DeVries kept the landlord’s attorney informed to avoid a new lawsuit. Once the landlord acknowledged payment, she followed up to make sure the ledger corrections were made. Cynthia’s balance is now zero, and she and her two children will be able to remain in their home.
Cynthia heaped praise on DeVries in a heartfelt thank-you letter.
“You have been a blessing to me. I don’t know what I would have done without you,” she said. “Thank you so much for saving me and my daughters. Thank you again and again.”
About Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to delivering economic, social, and housing justice to low-income and at-risk individuals and families on the First Coast.
If you are an attorney interested in volunteering with housing-related issues, please contact Debra Talley, Pro Bono Case Placement Manager, at debra.talley@jaxlegalaid.org, or visit https://www.jaxlegalaid.org/pro-bono/.
