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Housing Eviction Law Program
The Housing Eviction Law Program (also called HELP STL City or Right to Counsel) was created to provide access to legal representation for tenants facing eviction or equivalent proceedings.
Overview
City Ordinance 71694, also known as Board Bill #59, created the Right To Counsel legislation, enacted to ensure access to legal representation for City of St. Louis tenants facing eviction or similar proceedings. The project named Housing Eviction Law Program (HELP STL City) was started in August of 2024.
The City of St. Louis has entered into a contract with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) and has designated LSEM to implement the project offering free legal services.
Request Assistance from the Housing Eviction Law Program (HELP-STL)
Services
Under the HELP STL-CITY project, LSEM offers eligible low-income City residents who are at risk of eviction in St. Louis a full continuum of legal assistance. The level of services is determined by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and is based on an assessment of the case's needs and type of case. This ensures that limited resources are maximized without compromising service quality, and maintains manageable caseloads for LSEM staff. Services may include:
- Counsel and advice
- Assistance through MOTenantHelp.org
- Pre-litigation and litigation support
- Referrals and resources
- Document and form filing
- Court representation
- Requests for new trials, if needed
In addition, DHS staff helps citizens with completing housing applications and links individuals to resources for housing, rental assistance and other based programs.
Request Assistance from the Housing Eviction Law Program (HELP-STL)
Monthly Eviction Docket
On a monthly basis, the City of St. Louis Department of Human Services mails information to every citizen whose name is listed on the Monthly Eviction Dockets. The mailed information includes directions for contacting LSEM and the Dept. of Human Services for assistance, and a booklet named the Tenant Tool Kit. The DHS staff also schedules appointments with individuals who want assistance with filing their own cases.
The Tenant Tool Kit can be found on the LSEM website. DHS staff can assist individuals in our office or over the phone to complete the court documents and make referrals directly to LSEM.
Reporting
LSEM submits monthly programmatic and financial reports to the Department of Human Services, on a monthly basis, which are due within 30 days of the reporting period. All case information is maintained by LSEM in an automated case management system, called Legal Serve.
The City’s Department of Human Services conducts a review of the monthly reports, regularly consults with LSEM, to refer cases, obtain status updates to assist individuals who are seeking legal assistance, at all times remaining aware of attorney-client privilege, attends weekly eviction court dockets to inform citizens about the legal assistance available and DHS staff monitor to the contract to ensure all guidelines and rules are adhered to.
Resources
Housing Help
Resources for people in St. Louis who need assistance with temporary or transitional housing, or who need financial help with housing or utility bills.
Legal Help
Resources for City of St. Louis residents in need of legal advice or low-cost representation.
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