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Evictions are a reality of the current housing crisis in New Bedford. Many families are forced to move either due to lack of payment, or because current law allows landlords to reclaim their properties without providing any explanation to tenants.
Most people do not know their rights in housing court. That included Carmen López, a bookkeeper of Puerto Rican origin, who is facing an eviction order together with her husband. A chronic illness stemming from Covid-19 prevents her from working, she says, and her husband stopped doing DoorDash after being bitten by a dog.
“We are responsible people, but there are situations in life that you don’t expect and they happen,” López said.
During mediation day at housing court, López and her husband turned to a group of volunteer lawyers located within the court facilities. This initiative is known as “The Lawyer of the Day.” There they received the guidance they needed.
The organization behind this project is South Coastal Counties Legal Services, a nonprofit that provides free services to low-income individuals who need legal help.
“We donate our time to get involved with the housing court and with the community that comes to court looking for information, and we provide it to them on the spot,” explained Nayomi Vázquez-Berríos, supervising attorney of the Housing Unit.
The organization’s attorneys can handle cases ranging from filing a motion and participating in hearings to full representation throughout a trial.
“They are a great tool. They received us and guided us. I think they gave the most human side to the situation,” said López.
“We don’t have all the solutions, but maybe an answer we give them helps them make a decision that benefits them and their families,” added Vázquez-Berríos.
Email Gerardo Beltrán Salinas at gerardo@newbedfordlight.org
