This section is a list of local organizations that will provide legal services to poor and marginalized individuals in the community. These organizations provide legal services that give formerly incarcerated individuals access to fair housing, government services, and legal representation in criminal cases.
Health Justice Initiative at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Offers civil legal services to low-income people in 21 MO counties. Can provide legal representation in courts and administrative hearings and legal advice, social work assistance, and/or referral information regarding the following:
Interpreters are available for the hearing impaired: be sure to request this during intake call. Accessibility accommodations are available as needed.
Location:
4232 Forest Park Ave
St. Louis, MO 63108
Legal Services is located near 42 (Sarah) bus stops and the MetroLink Cortex stop. Both the Blue Line and Red Line stop there.
Contact Information:
(314) 256-8768
Main LSEM phone: (314) 534-4200
HJI@lsem.org
Eligibility Requirements:
How to Apply:
Call the contact number above for an intake or apply online at www.lsem.org (Click “Get Help Now.”)
Public Benefits Access Support at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
LSEM offers help with public benefits, including Food Stamps and Medicaid (also called MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind and Disabled). If your benefits are ending or your application is denied, LSEM can help with advice about what to do next, representing you at hearings if necessary.
Location:
4232 Forest Park Ave
St. Louis, MO 63108
Legal Services is located near 42 (Sarah) bus stops and the MetroLink Cortex stop. Both the Blue Line and Red Line stop there.
Contact Information:
(800) 444-0514
Main LSEM phone: (314) 534-4200
HJI@lsem.org
Eligibility Requirements:
Clients must live in one of the following counties: Adair, Clark, Franklin, Jefferson, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, St. Charles, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, Warren, and Washington.
How to Apply:
Call the contact number above for an intake or apply online at www.lsem.org (Click “Get Help Now.”)
ArchCity Defenders
ArchCity Defenders provides holistic legal representation to people who would otherwise not have access to a public defender or legal aid attorney as part of its mission to challenge “the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color.” ArchCity does criminal representation with both misdemeanor and felony-level criminal cases; civil representation with matters like landlord-tenant disputes and eviction defense, consumer protection cases, public benefits applications and appeals, immigration bond proceedings, and divorce, custody, and visitation rights; and municipal representation, which often includes but is not limited to, motor vehicle violations, building code violations, minor drug offenses, and minor nonviolent offenses. ArchCity also engages in civil rights legislation to challenge police misconduct, debtor’s prison, cash bail, inhumane jail conditions, inadequate housing for unhoused residents, and violations of Freedom of Speech, Due Process, and Equal Protection.
Location:
440 N. 4th St, Ste. 390
St. Louis, MO 63102
ArchCity Defenders is located downtown and is near 5 (Green) and 40 (North Broadway) buses. It is also near the MetroLink Convention Center stop and Laclede’s Landing Station. Blue Line and Red line trains stop at both locations.
Contact Information:
(314) 361-8834
Toll free: (855) 724-2489
mail@archcitydefenders.org or
intake@archcitydefenders.org
How to Apply:
You can apply through ArchCity's website.
Metro St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council
The EHOC works to ensure equal access to housing and places of public accommodation. If you believe you may have been discriminated against while trying to buy a home, rent an apartment, get a mortgage, or apply for homeowners insurance or have had your housing rights violated in any way, EHOC will investigate your claim and help resolve your complaint.
If you are having difficulties with your rental situation, EHOC Tenant Resource personnel can also assist you to understand your options and overcome barriers to maintaining safe and affordable housing (though they will likely not represent you legally if there is not a housing rights or fair housing violation).
Location:
1027 S. Vandeventer Ave
(6th Floor)
St. Louis, MO 63110
EHOC is located near 31 (Choteau) bus stops.
Contact Information: (314) 534-5800
Eligibility Requirements:
EHOC accepts complaints from clients throughout the Greater St. Louis area. If you are outside of the St. Louis area, but are in Missouri or southern Illinois, EHOC may still be able to assist you. EHOC’s services are free.
How to Apply: