S.F. to cut city funding protecting against informal evictions

San Francisco's housing department plans to cut funding for seven legal nonprofits, including Open Door Legal, which provides essential civil legal services to low-income residents. If the cuts proceed, Open Door Legal could lose $2. 2 million of its $3. 5 million budget, impacting its ability to defend against informal evictions. These evictions occur when landlords employ tactics like lock changes or utility shut-offs instead of filing formal notices.

The housing department cites budget constraints and a funding reprioritization as reasons for the cuts, drawing criticism from advocates who emphasize the necessity of these services. Over 10,860 individuals have benefitted from Open Door Legal's assistance, with many facing dire housing situations. One client, Naj Daniels, shared her experience of navigating probate fraud after the death of her grandmother, highlighting the crucial support provided by the nonprofit. While some legal aid programs remain unaffected, the cuts could exacerbate the homelessness crisis in the city. Experts suggest that addressing legal issues could significantly reduce the risk of homelessness for many individuals.