Story of Justice: CCLA’s Mobile Justice Squad Advocates for James & His Son to Receive Increased Food Assistance Benefits

James, a visually impaired senior veteran, has custody of his minor son and struggles with homelessness. When applying for Food Assistance, he reported his disability and living situation, as well as the fact that he is the primary custodial parent of his minor child. At the time of Food Assistance application, James and his son were seeking temporary shelter in a motel costing approximately $1,000 per month. James contacted Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) as his monthly Food Assistance benefit was only $76.00.

James is not able to drive or navigate public transportation. CCLA’s Mobile Justice Squad (“MJS”) Attorney went out in the MJS van, a mobile law office, to meet with him. After recognizing the issues, the Attorney contacted the Department of Children & Families on James’ behalf. CCLA’s MJS Attorney advocated for James and his son, requesting a reevaluation of his shelter deduction and a recalculation of his Food Assistance benefits. Through the intervention of CCLA’s MJS Attorney, and several MJS visits to his home, James’ monthly benefit was increased to $156.00 per month. The Mobile Justice Squad is crucial to helping people who have significant transportation challenges or are homebound. In this case, the assistance from CCLA’s MJS Attorney allowed James and his son to avoid food insecurity and continue on their path out of homelessness.