Metrowest Legal Services

During fiscal year 2023, mwls provided Legal assistance to 3,243 clients. 94 Legal clinics were held where Legal consultations and advice were provided to 492 attendees. 39 outreach or training presentations were attended by 1,196 people. 78 volunteer attorneys provided Legal representation in over 200 cases, donating 1,217 pro-bono hours valued at $334,675. Legal representation by mwls advocates also resulted in significant economic benefits to our clients. During fy23, mwls procured $417,203 in direct lump sum benefits for clients; $87,932 in monthly direct benefits to clients; $1,603,968 in lump sum savings for clients; and $175,998 in monthly payment savings to clients. Mwls implemented several new projects that were funded by the american rescue plan act through the Massachusetts legislature. Mwls started a medical-legal partnership with emerson hospital and a high quality education for all project where the attorney works to identify and address systemic issues that adversely affect vulnerable children in receiving the education that they are entitled to and require. As much of the covid-era housing funding will end at the end of fy24, mwls has been actively involved in the access to counsel coalition whose goal is the passage of proposed legislation that will significantly increase low-income tenants and owner occupant landlords' access to counsel in eviction cases. Mwls received new funding to assist masshealth recipients to successfully navigate the redetermination process which was suspended during the public health emergency. Recipients' failure to complete the process would result in termination of masshealth benefits. Those most likely to require assistance include the elderly and immigrants. 1.8 million masshealth recipients across Massachusetts are scheduled to receive redetermination notices in 2023.