LASP's Bristol office coordinates all-out eviction prevention effort in Bucks County

LASP CARES Attorney Fellows Devyne Byrd (at left), Maddie McCleary, and Michael Chiacchio.

(Oct. 7, 2020) Bristol Managing Attorney Joshua Goldblum estimates that LASP has represented more than 100 Bucks County renters at eviction hearings since Gov. Wolf's moratorium ended Aug. 31. LASP's entire Bristol office, together with LASP CARES Attorney Fellows, LASP interns and community volunteers from Lower Bucks for Change have been engaged in the effort since landlord-tenant hearings resumed in September.

In addition to providing free legal representation at hearings, LASP's effort also includes making sure that clients know about rental assistance funding available in Bucks County. The goal is to keep clients in their apartments once the Centers for Disease Control moratorium ends Dec. 31. Bucks County Housing Link (800-810-4434) is the main contact for Bucks County residents who need rental assistance.

Michael Chiacchio and Kate Roth, both CARES Attorney Fellows based in Bristol, have helped to coordinate the county-wide effort.

(Note: The effort is separate from the pro bono initiative in the Morrisville magisterial district court.)

Joshua Goldblum (at left), Bristol Managing Attorney; with Lauren Lareaux, community member; Daniel Cortes (second from left), Community Engagement Staff Attorney; and community volunteers Nick Perrone, Hugh Evans and Vincent Montoya-Armanios. The community members are part of Lower Bucks for Change.