Community Partner : Public Justice Center Intern : Hana Clemens Site Supervisor : Matt Hill
What is the Public Justice Center ? PJC works with people and communities to confront the laws , practices , and institutions that cause injustice , poverty , and discrimination . We advocate in the courts , legislatures , and government agencies , educate the public , and build coalitions , all to advance our mission of “ pursuing systemic change to build a just society .”
This summer at the Public Justice Center , I really delved into the excellent work being done here . From client interaction to legislative research , I was able to examine the housing and rent court system in place in Baltimore and how PJC plays a small part in improving it . I was able to learn specific details about housing law and how tenants can use it to defend themselves against exploitative landlords . I have also played a role in the city ' s 20 / 20 campaign , which is made up of a coalition of organizations called the Housing Round Table that is working to get public dollars invested in creating community land trusts throughout the city . I have a strong passion for housing policy and how we can use the law to help defend low‐income renters from eviction and living in uninhabitable conditions . This internship has made me more excited about promoting fair development in the future and helping to enforce the human right to safe and affordable housing in Baltimore City . ‐ Hana
Tasks :
• Obtained legal advice for renters with landlord‐tenant issues
• Aided attorneys in advising clients at Rent Court
• Researched the different eviction processes across states to support PJC ' s Rent Court reform legislation in Balt
• Researched how the city uses general obligation bonds for economic and community development , in order to more funding going towards sustainable development and community land trusts .
• Created and promoted an accessible brochure about the Renter ' s Tax Credit for low‐income renters in Maryla
• Petitioned to get 10,000 signatures by August 8 for an Affordable Housing Trust Fund charter amendment on t 2016 ballot