Most individuals facing eviction are not represented at their eviction hearing, which often results in unfair outcomes. That is why SALSA’s Housing and Homelessness Program is at Justice of the Peace Court 1 every Tuesday and Thursday to assist tenants who have received an eviction judgment understand their rights and obligations moving forward, including their right to appeal the eviction judgment and the appeal process.
Here’s some basics about our newest volunteer experience:
Where?
JP 1 Precinct 1 Courthouse 3505 Pleasanton Rd. San Antonio, TX 78221
When? What?
- Tuesdays, 2–5PM, review appeal paperwork and provide guidance on how to file the appeal paperwork with the clerk.
- Thursdays, 8AM–5PM, explain the appeal process and discuss tenants’ options and community resources that may be available to them. Every Thursday, JP1 holds eviction dockets. The eviction dockets start at 8:30AM, 10:00AM, 1:30PM, and 3:00PM. Volunteers are free to sign up for any (or all) dockets based on their availability.
Do I Need Prior Experience?
Absolutely not. This area of law is relatively simple to learn. SALSA has training resources available and on-site mentor assistance from SALSA’s Housing & Homelessness Staff Attorney.
Attorney Ryan Landry, an Associate at Dykema, who has personally volunteered at the SALSA Eviction Appeal Clinic, shares his perspective: “Clients who come to the SALSA eviction clinic for help are facing immediate housing instability and often do not know where to turn. As a volunteer, you can help guide them in the next steps of the eviction process or their appeal options. I really enjoyed being able to give back to my community at the eviction clinic, and I encourage anyone who is interested in making a tangible impact on your community to get involved.”
Attorney Michael D. Wombacher, an Associate at Dykema, also emphasizes the importance of volunteering at this clinic: “Volunteering at the JP 1 Eviction Clinic has given me a new understanding of how important pro bono legal aid is to a community. By simply making people aware of their rights under the law, the clinic has saved countless people from life on the streets and further descent into poverty and hopelessness. This is why I plan on continuing to volunteer at this clinic.”
By volunteering at the JP1 Eviction Clinic, you have the power to address the disparity in representation and help tenants facing eviction navigate their legal journey. Prior experience is not required, as SALSA offers training resources and on-site mentorship. Join us in making a difference and creating a more just and equitable society.
Sign up to volunteer at JP1 today and become a catalyst for positive change.
For more information on volunteering at JP1 or to sign up, please email clarissag@sa-lsa.org or visit https://www.sa-lsa.org/events/ to sign up on our Events Calendar. If you have never volunteered with SALSA before, please fill out our Volunteer Form.