For over 20 years, the MSU Housing Law Clinic has been providing pro-bono legal services for low-to-moderate income clients who have legal problems with their housing or land. In that span, they have represented cases with the aim of preventing homelessness throughout the state of Michigan.

The clinic began participating in the Eviction Diversion Program, which began in 2013. In the past year, the COVID-19 health crisis has accelerated that participation, as unprecedented job loss leaves many unable to pay rent.

“It was a no brainer to accept the opportunity for our law school teaching clinic to become involved in more court work through the Eviction Diversion Program,” Housing Law Clinic Director Brian Gilmore said. “Each week we have been able to prevent the eviction of many individuals and families. During the pandemic it has been a critical part of the state’s response to the crisis.”

Law students in the clinic get a chance to do exactly what they will be doing after they pass the bar, under supervision. It is a crucial part of their education that allows them to work with landlord attorneys, rental assistance nonprofits, Legal Services of South-Central Michigan, and the court system.