Story of Justice: CCLA Prevents Edith’s Eviction with an Accommodation & Collaboration

April is Fair Housing Awareness Month.

Edith, an 80-year-old senior, made her small apartment in federally subsidized housing her home for over five years. It was her sanctuary, filled with memories and the small comforts of a life lived independently. But as the years passed, her disability made it increasingly difficult to keep up with routine housekeeping. Tasks that once felt simple became overwhelming, and before she knew it, clutter had accumulated.

Then came the eviction notice.

When her landlord filed a case against her, claiming her apartment was poorly maintained, Edith was terrified. She had nowhere else to go—no family nearby, no safety net to catch her if she lost the one place she felt secure. The thought of being homeless at the age of 80 was unbearable.

When Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) attorneys took on her case, they knew this wasn’t just about an untidy apartment—it was about dignity, about fairness, about the right to age in place with the support she needed. Understanding the connection between Edith’s disability and the condition of her home, they fought for her right to a reasonable accommodation, filing a legal defense to protect her from eviction.

But they didn’t stop there. CCLA reached out to their trusted partner, Goodman Jewish Family Services (GJFS), for immediate, hands-on help. GJFS case managers stepped in with compassion and determination, coordinating a deep cleaning of Edith’s home. The transformation was astonishing—an entire dumpster was filled with the clutter that had once felt insurmountable to her.

On the day of the final hearing, conducted over Zoom, a GJFS case manager stood beside Edith in her now spotless apartment. Holding up a phone, they gave the judge a live video tour of the space. The judge, seeing the care that had gone into restoring Edith’s home, was moved. In that moment, the decision became clear—Edith would not be evicted. She would not be forced from her home.

This case is a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and advocacy. It is a reminder that justice is not just about legal battles—it’s about seeing the whole person, understanding their struggles, and fighting for solutions that allow them to live with dignity. Edith’s story is one of hope, of resilience, and of a community coming together to ensure that no senior faces the fear of homelessness alone.