Eviction Prevention Program

November 30, 2020

The Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) works with the School of Social Work and five clinics at the Francis King Carey School of Law to assist clients who have been evicted, or are at risk of being evicted. For many of their clients, having a stable home provides a foundation for tackling whatever difficulties exist in their lives, and EPP’s interdisciplinary approach respects that complexity. Now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, everything is more difficult, not only for renters but also for those who want to help them.

Professors Kerri Lowery (left, 3rd row) and Sara Gold (center square) oversee their students’ discussion with a client facing eviction.

Law students Jamy Klotzbatch (left) and David Spinosa (center) speak with their client, Shaiyel Seltzer, during a rare in-person meeting in the Law School, held so that they can review several documents that the client is unable to scan for them. Their client owns a home with the help of the Housing Law Clinic, but is in danger of losing it because of a claim against her from an unscrupulous former landlord. This particular case is being handled by the Housing Law Clinic, not the Eviction Prevention Program, although the students work in both programs.

Law students David Spinosa (left) and Jamy Klotzbatch (center) speak with their client, Shaiyel Seltzer, during a rare in-person meeting in the Law School, held so that they can review several documents that the client is unable to scan for them. Their client owns a home with the help of the Housing Law Clinic, but is in danger of losing it because of a claim against her from an unscrupulous former landlord. This particular case is being handled by the Housing Law Clinic, not the Eviction Prevention Program, although the students work in both programs.

The client, Shaiyel Seltzer, reviews some of the documents that she brought to a rare in-person meeting with students working in the Housing Law Clinic.

David Spinosa scans the client’s documents, which he can review with the team after the meeting.

Law student Parnia Vaghef, who lives in University housing, does her schoolwork and connects with clients from her home, because of COVID-19.

The Villas at Langley, where Eviction Prevention Program staff and students are working with tenants.

Erick Pacas Guerra (center) received guidance and representation from UMB’s Eviction Prevention Program. Law students Jamy Klotzbach (left) and Nia Lesesne (right) went to an in-person hearing at the Hyattsville District Court. There, Guerra was allowed to break his lease, and be released from back rent due to his former landlord’s negligence. Despite COVID-19, some cases still have to be done in person.

Erick Pacas Guerra (second from right) received guidance and representation from UMB’s Eviction Prevention Program. Law students Jamy Klotzbach (left) and Nia Lesesne (right), along with Professor Kerri Lowery (second from left), went to an in-person hearing at the Hyattsville District Court. There, Guerra was allowed to break his lease, and be released from back rent due to his former landlord’s negligence. Despite COVID-19, some cases still have to be done in person.

Clare O’Donnell talks with her client, Maurice Joyner, who is facing eviction after his landlady was placed in a nursing home. During this call, she finds out that the power to his apartment has been turned off.

Clare O’Donnell takes notes while she talks with her client, Maurice Joyner, who is facing eviction after his landlady was placed in a nursing home.

Clare O’Donnell talks with her client, Maurice Joyner, who is facing eviction after his landlady was placed in a nursing home.

Maurice Joyner, with his dog, King and cat, Furrball, at his home. For eight years, he cared for and helped his landlady with repairs, errands, and odd jobs. When she was placed in a nursing home by her family, the family wanted him to move out. “I don’t want to stay where I’m not wanted,” Joyner says. “I want to leave, but I need to find a place that will take my pets. They are all I have.” Joyner’s wife died of a brain aneurysm five years ago.

Maurice Joyner at home. A skilled handyman, he has applied to a truck driving company for work.

Maurice Joyner and his dog, King, who he has trained in German. That way, King won't listen to strangers' commands. He once lost a dog to someone who called his dog over, and then stole him. — Maurice Joyner and his dog, King, who he has trained in German. That way, King won’t listen to strangers’ commands. He once lost a dog to someone who called his dog over, and then stole him.

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Matthew “Dag” D’Agostino

Matthew “Dag” D’Agostino is the photographer for the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

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Eviction Prevention Program

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Eviction Prevention Program

Matthew “Dag” D’Agostino

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Marketing Manager