The Homelessness Advice and Representation Program
Learn more about the HARP program and how you can help increase access to justice across Chicagoland.
HARP assists with civil legal matters relating to housing, criminal records relief, family law, and immigration, among others. The Program’s first advice desk opened in partnership with Housing Forward in February of 2022. Now, Greater Chicago Legal Clinic works with five partner organizations at eight locations across the city and Cook County suburbs. These partners, Sarah’s Circle, Deborah’s Place, Housing Forward, New Moms, and Lyte Collective, provide invaluable housing and support services.
Learn more about how the program began here.
If you are a Chicagoland housing/social services provider interested in partnering with HARP, please reach out to Jeff Whitehead at jwhitehead@gclclaw.org.
The Homelessness Advice and Representation Program (HARP) provides accessible and integrated legal aid services to people transitioning from housing crisis to housing security. Because legal issues are too often among the types of problems faced by people in housing crisis—including its most extreme example, homelessness—HARP delivers free, on-site, legal aid clinics to individuals and families through partnerships with established housing services providers as part of their wraparound services model.
HARP Partner Organizations as of 5/7/24
HARP Clients
In 2023, HARP attorneys met with 103 clients.
We are excited to share a short video that highlights HARP's successes in its first two years. Hear directly from a client and two partner organizations about their experiences with the Clinic.
A HARP Success Story: Meet Jane
38.8% of individuals experiencing homelessness in Illinois cite "family disputes," including violence in the home and abuse, as the cause of their homelessness.*
Shortly after Christmas 2021, Jane made the terrifying but life-saving decision to leave her home and abusive husband. With nowhere else to go, she became homeless. A few months later, her husband convinced her to return, claiming that he was in rehab and was committed to their marriage.
Unfortunately, the cycle of violence repeated itself: shortly after Jane returned home, her husband tried to poison her in order to receive her death benefits. Again, she fled.
This time she tried to file for an Order of Protection and divorce, but both efforts were unsuccessful. She remained homeless, unsure of her legal options and fearing for her life.
Everything changed when the HARP advice desk opened at Jane’s interim housing facility. After an initial consultation, Jane was connected with Zhulmira Paredes, Managing Attorney of GCLC’s Domestic Violence Project. Zhulmira walked Jane through her legal options and helped her file for divorce—all pro bono. Now, safe and free from her ex, Jane is able to focus on securing stable housing and restarting her life.
*City of Chicago 2022 PIT Report