Our Impact
CCSLS defines success not only by the number of seniors it serves, but also, and more importantly, by the nature of the problems solved and the results obtained.
Measuring Impact
Measures of success include:
- Clients remain housed
- Clients avoid experiencing homelessness
- Clients obtain court orders of protection
- Clients enforce their consumer rights
- Clients avoid reductions in income
- Clients obtain advance planning documents
By the Numbers
clients served last year
in cancelled client debt
recovered for clients
hours of volunteer service
of clients are disabled
of clients are low income
Our Clients
"Each question, each page, each step, I was given clear information and invited to ask for more info as needed. I was not hurried. I was shown kindness and respect. I am deeply grateful. You made a difficult task gentle, dare I say, pleasant."
Client Stories
We deeply appreciate the clients who share their time and stories with us. We work every day to make sure that seniors are housed, safe from financial and physical harm, and free from debt. We also provide Advance Health Care Directives and Durable Power of Attorneys for clients, which help them to plan for a secure and conflict-free future.
*Names have been changed to protect client privacy.
Getting Access to Housing
Lois, an extremely low income senior with disabilities, needed help to get onto a waiting list for subsidized housing after she had been rejected. We asserted her rights to the protections of VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) and rights as a prospective tenant with disabilities. As a result of our advocacy, Lois was allowed access to the waiting list for subsidized housing.
Overcoming Consequences of Stolen Identity
Amir was a victim of identity theft. His son had used his personal information to take out a loan for $30,000 in his name. The bank refused to believe his explanation for the loan, and filed a collections lawsuit against him. Amir sought out our services, and we agreed to defend him. Because of our advocacy, the bank agreed to dismiss the case.
From Fighting for Our Country to Fighting Eviction
Thomas is a veteran with substantial physical disabilities, who is largely homebound. He was living in low-income housing that was only barely livable. Thomas contacted us when he was served with an eviction notice. CCSLS helped him to make a reasonable accommodation request based on his disability so he could have more time to find a new place. We also helped him to retain his Section 8 voucher. In the end, Thomas found a new place to live and the eviction was dismissed.
Security Deposit Theft
We were asked by a low-income 74-year-old woman, Norma, for assistance with her security deposit return. The landlord retained the funds based upon the expense of hiring a crew to clear out the garage of the house she had just vacated, and also sent her a bill for an additional $830. In fact, she should not have been held responsible for this expense. After the landlord’s agent received our letter explaining the basis for the legal action Norma would be taking against him, she received a check for more than the amount owed to her and a revocation of the bill for the additional $830.
Client Testimonials
CCSLS assists clients with real world legal problems, helping them to protect themselves and their assets in times of crisis. Learn more about Noni and Susan and how CCSLS helped them navigate emergent legal situations.