Impact of the Homeless Persons Representation Project

The Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) uses the law to achievean end to homelessness in Maryland. an end to homelessness in Maryland.

Targeted Legal ServicesHPRP is the only legal services program in Maryland that works to end homelessness. HPRP is not a general legal services provider; HPRP targets its legal work on issues that will directly prevent or eliminate homelessness.

Community-based ApproachHPRP Staff and Volunteers conduct outreach and meet with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in shelters, soup kitchens, community-based associations and on the street to provide legal representation.

Education and AdvocacyHPRP Staff conduct forums in the community for clients, service providers and others on legal issues confronting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. HPRP Staff address systemic hurdles to ending homelessness, including improving government services, programs and laws, with knowledge derived from client experiences.

HPRP ProgramsOur Staff and Volunteers target legal services on issues that will directly assist someone in moving from homelessness into housing or in keeping the housing they need. These are examples of some of HPRP’s programs:

Helping Homeless Veterans: In 2008, HPRP created Maryland’s only free legal services program specifi cally for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to obtain representation in claims for service-connected disability benefi ts through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In addition to serving veterans at shelters in Baltimore City and Montgomery County, HPRP opened a legal clinic in 2013 at the VA Medical Center Annex in Downtown Balti-more as a medical-legal partnership to serve homeless veterans. HPRP makes a difference: Robert*, a disabled veteran of the U.S. Army came to HPRP when he was facing homelessness after the VA denied almost all of his claims for disability benefi ts and left him to rely on Food Stamps. An HPRP volunteer attorney represented Robert in his administrative appeal of the denial, as well as on several new claims, and successfully won a 100% disability rating. As a result of the volunteer attorney’s effort, the veteran will now receive over $3,000 per month, a back benefi t award of over $50,000, and will never again face homelessness or have to rely on Food Stamps.

Ensuring Stability for Homeless Youth: Maryland schools report a 75% increase in the number of homeless youth who lack a parent or guardian to care for them. HPRP operates two legal clinics to serve unaccompanied homeless youth at the Rose Street Community Center and the YES! Drop-In Center.

HPRP makes a difference: Sharon is a 22-year old mother who has struggled with homelessness since the age of 18, but she is steadily building stability with HPRP’s support and a lot of perseverance. The Department of Social Services has repeatedly and illegally terminated Sharon’s Temporary Cash Assistance benefi ts, which she uses to pay part of her rent. An HPRP attorney has ensured that her benefi ts are immediately reinstated each time so that she does not lose her housing. The client reports that with HPRP’s help to stabilize her income stream, she now wants to focus on her education goals. Eliminating Barriers to Employment: Youthful minor indiscretions can have a devastating impact when looking for employment as many employers, including the military, will not consider applicants who have any involvement in the criminal justice system.

HPRP makes a difference: Carl is a 23-year old homeless young man who drives a delivery truck, but always dreamed of enlisting in the Army. When he was a teenager, however, he was arrested for rogue and vagabond charges. Though he was never convicted, the Army would not even consider Carl as a candidate because the charges remained on his record. An HPRP volunteer attorney represented Carl in the expungement of his entire record and he is now clear to enlist.

Who is HPRP?HPRP has a staff of 8 attorneys who work with over 500 volunteer attorneys, paralegals and law students to provide legal services, education and advocacy to prevent and eliminate homelessness. HPRP handles nearly 800 client matters each year.

What is Unique About HPRP?

* * Client names have been changed to protect confi dentiality. Client names have been changed to protect confi dentiality.