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Impact of the Homeless Persons Representation Project

The Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) uses the law to achieve

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 servicesprovider; 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 inshelters, 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 peoplewho are homeless or at risk of homelessness. HPRP staff address systemic hurdles to ending homelessness, includingimproving 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 homelessnessinto housing or in keeping the housing they need. These are examples of some of HPRPs programs:

Helping Homeless Veterans: In 2008, HPRP created Marylands only free legal services program to help veteranswho are homeless or at risk of homelessness obtain service-connected disability benefits.

HPRP makes a difference: An HPRP volunteer attorney represented a veteran of the Marine Corps whowas terminally ill with lung cancer. The VA previously denied the veterans claim that his lung cancer was due to asbestosexposure in service, but with the help of his volunteer attorney, the veteran was able to meet with doctors who couldproperly trace the origin of the exposure. The veteran now receives almost $3,000 in disability benefits and received alarge retroactive award, ensuring that he will have stable housing for the remainder of his life.

Preventing homelessness by stopping unlawful eviction: HPRP provides legal representation to some of the most

vulnerable persons in our community. When HPRPs clients obtain housing, it often means the end of years of homeless-ness due to mental illness and other disabilities. Unfortunately, because HPRPs clients are so vulnerable, they sometimesfall victim to unscrupulous landlords.

HPRP makes a difference: HPRP successfully prevented the wrongful eviction of its client, Mr. O*. Mr. O livedin permanent supportive housing successfully through Baltimore Citys Housing First program, which is supported byHousing Choice Vouchers. Homeless for many years because of mental illness, Mr. O blossomed in housing with regularcase management. Last year, however, Mr. Os landlord stopped making repairs in his building and as a result, the HousingAuthority of Baltimore City (HABC), which operates the Voucher program, stopped making payments to the landlord. Inclear violation of federal law, the landlord sued to evict Mr. O for nonpayment of HABCs portion of the rent. An HPRPAttorney represented Mr. O and was immediately able to get his case dismissed. The landlord then agreed to make therepairs and Mr. O was able to stay in his home.

Housing Homeless Families:Although homelessness among families has increased in recent years, the number ofshelter spaces available for homeless families in Maryland has actually decreased. In Maryland, 38% of homeless familieslive on the street the 7th highest rate in the country. HPRP represents homeless families in their efforts to move outof shelters and into permanent housing.

HPRP makes a difference: While conducting a Know Your Rights presentation to homeless families at aBaltimore City homeless shelter, an HPRP Attorney met Ms. S. Ms. S. was living in the shelter with her two minor chil-dren because the housing she thought was available fell through. After learning that Ms. S was a veteran, her HPRP at-torney immediately connected her to VA homeless services and soon after she received a veterans voucher. Today Ms. S

lives in stable, permanent housing with her children.

Who is HPRP?HPRP has a staff of 8 attorneys who work with over 430 volunteer attorneys, paralegals and law students to

provide legal services, education and advocacy to prevent and eliminate homelessness. HPRP handles about 800client matters each year.

What is Unique About HPRP?

*Client names have been changed to protect confidentiality.