From the Executive Director

November, 2008

In these difficult economic times, low-income people need Legal Aid more than ever. In no single area is the need more apparent than in housing.

A surprise visit from a real estate agent, a shut-off notice from PG&E, a Notice of Trustee Sale posted on the door: these are some of the ways that tenants discover that the home they live in is about to or already has gone into foreclosure. San Mateo County tenants are impacted at an alarmingly increasing rate by foreclosure on rental properties. "Most people who come to Legal Aid about the foreclosure of their home have no idea what, if any, rights they have," reports Legal Aid housing attorney Shirley Gibson. Read more...

Listen to Shirley Gibson talk about this issue on KCBS:

KCBS Interview Part 1

KCBS Interview Part 2

Recently, as part of an article about how non-profits are faring in general, I was interviewed by KQED about how the economy is affecting Legal Aid. I discussed our important work in the community in response to the housing and foreclosure crisis.

To hear me on KQED click here

Thank you for continuing to support the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County in all we do.

Sincerely,
Stacey