title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE COOK COUNTY LEGAL AID FOR HOUSING AND DEBT FY2027 GRANTEE AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION
WHEREAS, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development (BED) seeks to enhance quality of life through equitable community and economic development, including initiatives designed to strengthen and support residents; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Chief Judge (OCJ) serves the Circuit Court of Cook County and provides support and services to the judiciary, the public, and court-involved individuals; and
WHEREAS, since 2020, BED and OCJ have partnered to administer the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) program to help Cook County residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, consumer debt, and tax deed issues prior to court and during the court process; and
WHEREAS, the Early Resolution Program (ERP), one component of CCLAHD, provides free legal help for renters facing eviction, small landlords dealing with eviction-related issues, and individuals with consumer debt challenges or past-due property taxes; and
WHEREAS, the ERP connects participants with legal aid, mediation services, and referrals to additional programs, such as rental assistance, to help avoid unnecessary eviction or debt judgments; and
WHEREAS, the ERP has served almost 133,000 residents since 2022, increased residents’ participation in their court cases, reduced default eviction and consumer debt judgments, and contributed to a reduction in the number of evictions placed with the Sheriff; and
WHEREAS, the ERP has been recognized as an innovative public-private partnership that has transformed the court process for eviction and consumer debt cases in Cook County; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF) has been Cook County’s lead administrative partner for ERP since 2020, overseeing and coordinating the activities of a set of legal aid, mediation and outreach organizations that are the core of the ERPA model; and
WHER...
Click here for full text