Important Message About COVID-19

Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) is here to help people living in poverty for whom the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about swift and severe changes. They have lost employment by the thousands; many are facing the loss of their homes and health care and experiencing increased rates of domestic violence.

While LAWO’s physical offices are closed during this stage of the pandemic based on Ohio Department of Health recommendations, we continue to provide legal help. Our attorneys are advocating vigorously for those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They are working from home, going to court when needed, and maintaining contact with clients and community partners. They are innovating to provide critically needed and accurate legal information and meet changing legal needs. Pro se legal clinics and Plan Ahead sessions for seniors are now available virtually and by telephone. We have legal resources specific to the pandemic available at legalaidline.org/covid19.

We are prioritizing basic needs: access to housing, food, safety, and income. We are defending against evictions and set-outs, assisting people in accessing unemployment insurance, paid leave due to COVID-19, and other benefits, and working with community partners to prevent domestic violence escalation and scams targeting vulnerable people, including seniors. We welcome media inquiries about the legal needs people living on low incomes are experiencing.

Our offices in Toledo, Dayton, Springfield, Sandusky, Defiance, Lima, and Findlay will remain closed to the public until further notice. People needing legal assistance are strongly encouraged to apply for help by phone at 1-888-534-1432 or online at legalaidline.org.