FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (January 8, 2018) – Legal Aid Service of Broward County is pleased to announce that they were awarded a $25,000 grant from the Wells Fargo VeteranWINS Grant Program. This funding will help veterans in the area who have experienced unexpected life events that caused them to fall behind on rent by providing legal representation and rental assistance, enabling them to get back on track and avoid eviction.
The check was presented by Patrick Morris, Doris Neyra and Bill Jones of Wells Fargo at Legal Aid’s 16th Annual For the Public Good event.
“We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with Wells Fargo,” said Patrice Paldino, the supervising attorney for the Housing Unit at Legal Aid Service of Broward County. “Our military veterans fought to defend our homes. They should have safe, stable and affordable homes when they return to their families and civilian life.”
More than 1,300 housing cases are initiated annually in the housing practice at Legal Aid. Of these, 120 are veterans. Over 400 applicants are unfortunately turned away each year due to lack of resources. These funds will allow Legal Aid attorneys to help veterans with legitimate defenses who might not have the immediate funds or cash flow to post rent, which is required by the court. This short-term, stop-gap resource will enable a Veteran to get back on his or her feet and avoid homelessness.
The Wells Fargo VeteranWINS Grant Program provides financial resources to help invest, strengthen, and support sustainable military and veteran housing programs. This year, the company donated $200,000 across six nonprofits to address sustainable housing for military veterans.
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Legal Aid Service of Broward County is not-for-profit law firm established in 1973. Our mission is to provide high quality free civil legal advice, representation and education to the poor of Broward County so as to improve the lifestyle and living conditions of the low-income community and to encourage self-sufficiency. www.legalaid.org
Legal Aid Service of Broward County is a 501(c)(3) corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer services (#SC-02337). All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352 within the state OR VISITING WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.
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