Free legal clinic to be held on rental housing rights

A free legal information clinic will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar, in Granite City.

Attorneys Clarissa Gaff of the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation and Tanja Cook from Lueders, Robertson & Konzen Law Offices will present “Know Your Rental Housing Rights.”

The topic deals with general rights for landlords and tenants. Information also will be provided about anticipated new public housing admission policies for citizens returning from prison or other correctional facilities.

The Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation and the Community Support Advisory Council (CSAC) are offering these programs in particular for returning citizens who have been released from correctional facilities.

CSAC’s mission is to establish connections for returning citizens with community providers, including faith-based organizations, vendors and other community agencies that provide comprehensive services and resources. These services and resources allow CSAC to reduce recidivism and create community safety.

Circuit Judge Barb Crowder, chair of the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, noted “We intend to provide legal information clinics that will be free and open to all members of the public who are interested in learning about their rights. This committee is happy to assist the CSAC in its mission to help returning citizens and the community.”

The groups intend to sponsor legal information sessions quarterly with the next topic to be family law, visitation and child support issues.