Center provides free legal aid
JACKSON — The Mississippi Center for Legal Services Corporation (MCLSC) is a nonprofit agency that provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low income individuals and families in 43 counties in Mississippi.
Ruth Morrison, with the program’s Education and Outreach Project, said the legal assistance provided is free to eligible persons. Financial eligibility is based on the income of all persons who are resident members of and contribute to the support of the family unit.
Morrison said legal immigrants in the United States also have access to the services, if they qualify. The program includes assistance related to issues such as bankruptcy, collections, foreclosures, predatory lending, education, fair housing, family, youth court/abuse and neglect, SSD (Social Security Disability), SSI (Supplemental Security Income) cases, individual rights and other areas of the law.
In addition, MCLSC works with Catholic Charities to help non English speaking individuals.
“MCLSC recognizes populations with special vulnerabilities, such as age, disability, differences in language, cultural and educational backgrounds, or other special problems of access as target groups deserving special consideration,” said Morrison.
Morrison added MCLSC does not accept any cases or matters prohibited by the Legal Services Corporation Act, such as redistricting, abortion rights, representation of prisoners, criminal cases, and fee generating cases.
In regards to community education, MCLSC can provide someone to speak to any group, church or organization about the services provided by the program. Requests should be submitted to Lindia Robinson at 601-948-6752
For additional information visit www.mslegalservices.org. For services, call the toll free number 1-800-498-1804.
