About The Lawyers Clearinghouse

The Lawyers Clearinghouse on Affordable Housing and Homelessness was founded in 1988 by the Boston Bar Association and Massachusetts Bar Association. It grew out of a common belief that through an organized broad based program, the pro bono resources of the private bar could be used to fight homelessness. The creation of the Clearinghouse also reflected the enormous economic pressures placed on low and moderate income families in Massachusetts, and on the limited capabilities of the nonprofit groups assisting them with their housing needs.

The Clearinghouse has served as the model used by bar sponsored pro bono groups throughout the country in establishing similar programs, including the District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Maryland. In 1991, the Clearinghouse received the American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Partnership Award.

Mission Statement

To promote the development of affordable housing, reduce homelessness, and strengthen communities by providing pro bono legal services to nonprofit organizations and to individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Scope of Services

The Clearinghouse offers free legal services to nonprofit organizations or those seeking nonprofit status to further their goals. We also provide legal representation to guests of the Pine Street Inn, St. Francis House, Cardinal Medeiros Center (a program of Kit Clark Senior Services) and hopeFound (formerly Friends of the Shattuck Shelter).

Low income individuals seeking free legal services should contact their local legal services office. Individuals who can afford to pay for legal services or are seeking reduced fee legal services, should contact a lawyer referral service.