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Published on January 21, 2025
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Launches Legal Aid Initiative to Protect School Families from EvictionSource: Wikipedia/U.S. Army photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Mayor Michelle Wu has introduced the Access to Counsel Pilot Program to provide free legal representation for families with children in Boston Public Schools facing eviction. The program is a collaboration between the Office of Housing Stability, Boston Public Schools, and legal aid organizations, according to the City of Boston.

"The upheaval and uncertainty that comes with eviction can disrupt every aspect of a family's life, especially for children who need stability to succeed in school," said Mayor Wu. The Early Homelessness Intervention Program connects families to legal aid through school referrals, with FamilyAid Boston and Greater Boston Legal Services providing support during eviction cases. In 2024, these efforts helped prevent 423 evictions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the city’s eviction prevention strategies, as reported by the City of Boston.

City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune stated, "In the midst of our current affordability crisis, we must use every tool at our disposal to keep Boston a welcoming place for families." The Access to Counsel Pilot Program, funded by $300,000 from the City’s FY25 budget, will provide legal assistance to at least 120 households in 2025 to help prevent eviction. The program aims to support housing stability and minimize the impact of eviction on children’s academic and emotional well-being. Data will be collected to assess its effects, and legal services are available starting this month. Families can contact school liaisons or the Office of Housing Stability for assistance, as stated by the City of Boston.