The Moran Center for Youth Advocacy recently announced a new program to help people in Evanston and surrounding areas benefit from a new Illinois law that allows them to remove prior evictions from their record.

Evanston residents who wish to take advantage of the Enhance Record and Seal Evictions, or ERASE Project, are welcome to attend and meet with School-Based Civil Legal Clinic volunteer attorneys from 1 to 3 p.m. every Tuesday in October at the at the Moran Center offices in Evanston Plaza, 1900 A Dempster St. Evanston residents who are not available during Sealing Clinic drop-in hours can make an in-person or virtual appointment by emailing clinic@moran-center.org or calling (224) 714-0348.

As many renters are aware, having an eviction on their record, even when there has been no court judgment against them, can make it more difficult to rent again by lowering their credit rating and painting an unfair picture of their ability to pay their rent.

A new Illinois Law, 735 ILCS 5/9-121.5, which became effective in May of this year, makes it easier to seal a prior eviction record. It does not prohibit landlords from obtaining a reference from a previous landlord, but having an eviction sealed can improve a credit score and make it easier to apply for a new rental agreement. This is not for tenants with a current eviction.

Through the ERASE Project, attorneys at the Moran Center will prepare the necessary paperwork free of charge on behalf of residents who wish to take advantage of this law. The Moran Center has partnered with and will refer renters, if appropriate, to the Lawyer’s Committee For Better Housing, which helps residents who live outside the Evanston area.

The ERASE Project is one of many programs at the Moran Center that helps dismantle systemic barriers to the health, safety and well-being of young people and their families. One of the only legal clinics in the country to combine legal and social services, the Moran Center provides community-based legal, social work, and restorative services for youth and families. People who are interested in supporting the organization can participate in the “$40 for 40” fundraising campaign being held in October to support the organization’s mission and vision and celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1981, the Moran Center has been a champion for thousands of low-income youth and families in need of an advocate. Our holistic, healing-centered, client-driven approach helps us advance the vision of a more just, racially equitable and restorative society at the local, regional and state level. For additional information please visit our website at moran-center.org. 

Source: Moran Center for Youth Advocacy