Your 2016 Housing Champions!

In May the Law Foundation was honored with the Housing Trust Silicon Valley's 2016 Housing Champion Award for the work we do to ensure that everyone in Silicon Valley has safe, fair, and affordable housing. "They're who you want in your corner when you're fighting for affordable housing," the Housing Trust's CEO, Kevin Zwick, said in his remarks during the event. The explosive growth of Silicon Valley has left some members of our community behind. Many residents are being displaced as the cost of living sky-rockets. At the Law Foundation, we work with people every day who are at risk of becoming homeless due to an unfair eviction. We are also advocating for policy changes that put long-term solutions in place. For example, we have been pushing for stronger protections for renters, and our work is paying off. This spring, San Jose City Council voted on the following measures: 

• A 5% limit on annual rent increases for rent-controlled apartments;

• Anti-Retaliation Protection Ordinance to protect tenants from eviction if they ask for improvements or report a code violation; 

• Elimination of the debt service pass-through, which limits the costs landlords can pass on to their tenants. 

Though these measures are a step in the right direction, they're not enough to safeguard meaningful protections against unfair evictions and displacement. There is strength in numbers; we hope you'll add your voice as we continue to advocate for fair and just treatment for renters in Silicon Valley. 

Click here to see our recognition video from the Housing Trust.

Employee Spotlight: Mariel Block

Congratulations are in order for our own Mariel Block who was selected as the Santa Clara County Bar Association's Barrister of the Year for her contributions to the legal profession in both a professional capacity and in pro bono and community activities.

In many parts of Santa Clara County, landlords can legally evict tenants for almost any reason as long as it is not discriminatory; providing legal help in eviction cases is a critical service to our community. Through Mariel's leadership, the Law Foundation's Pro Bono Housing Justice Program, which serves low-income families facing homelessness due to an eviction, has grown extensively--- meaning more families have been able to stay in their homes or have been given adequate time to move with dignity. 

Every Friday, Mariel manages the Law Foundation's eviction clinic and trains pro bono attorneys and volunteers who take on eviction cases for on-going representation. In 2015, the clinic provided representation to 373 tenants and their families, a significant increase over previous years. Your ongoing support enables us to have incredible advocates like Mariel on our team. We're proud that her accomplishments were formally recognized by the Santa Clara County Bar Association. Way to go, Mariel!

Your Generosity Broke Another Record!

You really did it this time! A heartfelt thank you goes out to our annual partners and individual donors who gave over $2 million dollars to help us continue to use the law as a tool for change in Silicon Valley. Your investment in the Law Foundation gives us the power to change the lives of families and individuals in dire need of legal help.

Together, we can do so much more for the people in our region who are desperate for a voice in their fight for social justice - families like Sabrina and Margie's, who we introduced to you at the dinner. 

Thank you for an unforgettable night!