On July 1st, the temporary ban on evictions will be lifted in Florida.  As of now, as many as 1 in 5 renters are unable to keep up with their housing payments. To prevent a wave of evictions, homelessness and the burdens it would place on the city, we are asking the City of Lake Worth to pass an ordinance to establish Right to Counsel for renters facing eviction, using funds from the ARPA act. Renters who have access to free legal counsel have a dramatically decreased chance of being evicted. Landlords are more likely to receive payment as well, as renters are directed toward available rental assistance programs. Let's keep Lake Worth families in their homes and promote social and financial well being as we enter the recovery period of the pandemic by passing Right to Counsel in Lake Worth Beach.

How are we going to pay for and implement Right to Counsel?
The City of Lake Worth Beach is receiving 16 million dollars of federal relief money through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). A fraction of that money could by used to fund the program. Other cities, such as Denver have already drafted similar ordinances that we could use as a blueprint to work from.

Besides signing the petition, how can I support Right to Counsel or learn more?
Visit lwtenants.org and be sure to call City Hall and voice your support for using the ARPA funds for Right to Counsel!

Mayor
Betty Resch
561-586-1735

District 1
Sarah Malega
561-586-1731

District 2
Christopher McVoy
561-586-1732

District 3
Kim Stokes
561-586-1733

District 4
Herman Robinson
561-586-1734