Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association launches housing clinic in Palm Desert

During the recent Palm Springs City Council meeting on March 12, 2025, significant discussions centered around enhancing community support through legal and housing assistance programs. A key highlight was the introduction of a new housing clinic by the Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association, set to launch on March 26 at Lift to Rise in Palm Desert. This clinic will provide essential legal services, including family law and expungement assistance, although housing-related services will not be available on that day.

The council also addressed the Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program, which has seen an increase in funding due to high demand. Originally allocated $1 million, the program was replenished with an additional $1 million to support residents facing housing instability. Each quarter, $250,000 will be available to ensure the funds last longer, allowing individuals to receive up to $12,000 for living expenses, including rent and utilities.

While there was a proposal to allocate $68,000 towards legal aid services, council members noted that existing HUD regulations limit the reallocation of funds. Legal aid services are already receiving the maximum allowable funding of $51,000, which restricts further financial support from the TBRA budget.

These discussions reflect the council's ongoing commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the community, particularly in the areas of housing and legal support. As the city continues to navigate these challenges, residents can look forward to new resources aimed at improving their quality of life.