Stout, a global advisory firm, released its independent evaluation of Chicago’s Right to Counsel (RTC) Pilot Program in late November.
Compiling nearly three years’ worth of data from LCBH and our partners, Legal Aid Chicago and CARPLS, Stout’s report analyzes the impact and cost effectiveness of the Chicago Pilot Program, funded by the City of Chicago Department of Housing, through a grant from the United States Department of the Treasury.
RTC builds on the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt Early Resolution Program (ERP), a service funded by Cook County government and administered by the Chicago Bar Foundation. ERP provides renters and landlords with free brief advice and negotiation services before their case goes to trial. When a settlement cannot be reached, RTC allows our attorneys to provide extensive services for eligible tenants in eviction court.
Stout reports that of clients seeking to avoid an eviction order, 92-95% achieved that goal through RTC services. Additionally, 68% of tenants obtained more than 30 days to move, allowing adequate time to secure alternative housing. Overall, nearly 71% of clients said they were confident that they would be able to (or were able to) achieve their housing goals with the help of RTC. You can read the entire report here.