MoForever Alumni News - Summer 2020

23 | MoForever Summer 2020 immigrants are being unfairly targeted these days. “The high level of fear leaves our immigrant neighbors open to exploitation by landlords, employers, and others,” Laurie explains. When Marin County workers fear for their safety and tenants face eviction, Legal Aid is the only place they can turn for legal assistance. Laurie, however, has concerns about Legal Aid’s ability to continue to respond effectively. “The COVID-19 pandemic vastly expands the number of people who need help. We have an incredibly hard-working staff, but three direct- services lawyers cannot handle the enormous number of people who now need help,” Laurie says. How You Can Help Laurie anticipates an immediate need for pro bono representation of tenants to renegotiate payment of rent. A 90-day moratorium on evictions takes effect after the shelter in place order lifts. After that, Legal Aid fears a flood of eviction complaints for tenants who cannot make up the rent shortfall. (This problem will not be unique to Marin County, unfortunately.) If you’d like to volunteer with Marin Legal Aid (Spanish-speaking lawyers are a plus), please contact Laurie at ljoyce@legalaidmarin.org or visit https://www.marinprobononetwork. org/ . The organization also welcomes donations to support their work, now more than ever. LEARN MORE ABOUT MARIN LEGAL AID