Like the Mystery Machine on Scooby Doo or Bruce Wayne’s famous Batmobile, a new rolling problem solver is bringing free legal aid to Broward County seniors.
Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida has launched the Mobile Justice Squad, a mobile division of its high quality free civil legal services.
The squad will provide legal services for homebound seniors or those seniors with limited mobility. Legal services offered through the MobileJustice Squad include but are not limited to health and public benefits, housing and foreclosure defense, domestic violence and financial exploitation, consumer fraud, and naturalization.
“With the Mobile Justice Squad, we are bringing our resources and services out on the road to the most vulnerable,” said Patrice Paldino, Executive Director of Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. “This initiative is an integral part of what we can do to continue our mission to provide high quality free civil legal advice, representation, and education to those who need it.”
Alterations to the van have been made in response to COVID-19 to allow social distancing through a plexiglass shield. Attorneys will be able to screen clients, review legal issues, prepare, scan, and copy documents all in one visit, eliminating the need for clients to travel to the office or send documents through the mail.
To obtain access to the Mobile Justice Squad, individuals or community organizations should call 954-736-2400. Eligible senior citizens (60+ years old) can make an appointment and the Mobile Justice Squad will then arrive at their location.
Funding for this innovative project was generously provided by the American Bar Endowment and The Jim Moran Foundation.