Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma

VAMC MLP and Legal Services for Veterans

Service Area: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The following program was awarded grants as part of the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s second 2020 Expedited Grants Portfolio, addressing urgent needs related to COVID-19.

Devastation of the oil and gas industry, vital to Oklahoma, has resulted in high numbers of veterans unemployed. Simultaneously, anxiety over how to pay rent or mortgage, how to pay consumer debt, and how to feed a family threatens the wellbeing of those affected. In worse case scenarios, legal issues such as eviction, foreclosure, and debt collection will have long-term repercussions if not addressed swiftly and effectively. This BWF grant will fund an attorney who will provide civil legal aid at VAMC MLPs and across the region to stabilize veterans and their families impacted by the pandemic.   LASO attorney will work to negotiate with landlord or mortgagor, enforce CARES Act protections, enter into agreements of forbearance or repayment for additional time to settle debts, and assure eligibility for other sources of income and support through unemployment insurance, pandemic unemployment assistance, stimulus funds, SNAP, VA, and Medicaid.