The Housing Justice Clinic began in August 2022, growing out of the Civil Clinic’s involvement in assisting vulnerable tenants with housing-related legal issues. Students enrolled in the Housing Justice Clinic provide limited scope legal representation to low- to moderate-income tenants who are facing eviction through the Tenant Assistance Project in Lancaster County. This work includes analyzing pleadings, interviewing and counseling clients, negotiating with opposing counsel, and gaining hands-on courtroom experience under the guidance and supervision of the Housing Justice Clinic director.
The Housing Justice Clinic provides students with holistic training and mentorship, ensuring they are not only well-versed in the black-letter law and relevant practice skills, but also in implementing trauma-informed approaches and a systems-level perspective in their work.
2024 Eviction Court Outcomes
SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
Total number of tenants represented by the Housing Justice Clinic Through the Tenant Assistance Project:
471
Total number of tenants receiving socail services from the housing justice clinic resource navigator:
673
Percentage of cases dismissed or that should be dismissed:
81%
Average number of days for tenants to move stipulated to in settlement agreements:
19
Percentage of cases in which tenants were ultimately evicted:
9.6%
Average rating tenants gave the legal representation provided by the Housing Justice Clinic on a scale from 1 to 10:
9.7
