Hello from Legal Aid!
As the year is quickly coming to an end, I would like to thank you for your support and partnership. Together we can continue to empower families in Northeast Ohio.
Please share these resources with your networks and clients.
Resources for Holiday Help:
- Salvation Army (Multiple locations in Cleveland): Families can sign up to participate in their annual Christmas gift distribution. Visit their website for more information.
- USPS Operation Santa: Children and families can write letters to Santa with the possibly of the letter being chosen by “Santa” (aka a community member). See the Operation Santa website for more information.
- Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program: Provides new toys for children. Register online until December 6. Find your local chapter to apply.
- The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program: Families can register to receive gifts of clothing and toys for Christmas. Register on their website.
Food Resources:
Housing & Utility Resources:
- Reentry Housing Funds:
The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry has collaborated with North Star Neighborhood Reentry Resource Center to provide emergency funding to support formerly incarcerated individuals and their families facing housing insecurity. Learn about eligibility and how to apply on the North Star Neighborhood Reentry Resource Center website.
- HEAP/PIPP Applications are open!
Ohio residents can receive help with heat bills through HEAP/PIPP through the cold months. Learn more about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Winter Crisis Program, and sign up directly through the State of Ohio at Apply for Ohio Energy Assistance Programs.
- Assistance available for those facing utility disconnection:
Ohio’s electric and natural gas customers can use the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s (PUCO) Special Reconnect Order (SRO) from now through April 15, 2026, to reconnect or avoid disconnection of their utilities. Learn more: Special Reconnect Order.
Animal Resources:
- The Cleveland Animal Protective League is holding a Pet Wellness Clinic on Wednesday, December 10 from 10AM to 2PM at The Friendly Inn (2386 Unwin Road) for residents of 44103, 44104, 44106, 44108, 44114, 44115 & 44127. The APL vet will be seeing minor medical ailments such as skin and ear issues, fleas, limping and vaccines. $10 per pet, 2 pet max, limited to the first 35 Cleveland pets. Cash payments only. Call 216-377-1637 for an appointment.
Upcoming Community Education Programs:
Justice Unlocked: Record Clearing, Warrant Relief & Support Services
January 30, 2026 at Tri-C Metro
Tri-C, in collaboration with others, is hosting an event offering legal help and community resources for people impacted by past convictions. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will provide guidance on record clearing and eligibility for expungement. This is a no-cost event open to the public. Advanced registration is suggested.
Upcoming Brief Legal Advice Clinics:
Legal Aid hosts free brief legal advice clinics throughout Northeast Ohio. At these clinics, attorneys are available for in-person consultations to provide brief advice and counsel on civil legal issues. View the events calendar on our website at lasclev.org/events, or see the list of upcoming clinics below. A printable calendar of clinics is available online: lasclev.org/ClinicFlyer
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – Cleveland (East)
Walk in! Intake hour 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Cleveland Public Library – Woodland Campus, 5906 Woodland Ave.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 – Oberlin
Call 440-774-6579 for an appointment
Oberlin Community Services, 500 East Lorain St., Oberlin
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16 – Ashtabula
Call 440-992-2121 for an appointment
Ashtabula Public Library, 4335 Park Avenue, Ashtabula
Need a Legal Aid speaker? To invite Legal Aid to participate in a community event or to request a presentation, simply complete this brief online form: lasclev.org/OutreachRequest.
Want Legal Aid materials to display or distribute? View our online library of brochures and then use this online form to request materials: lasclev.org/BrochureRequest.
Need to update your contact information? Please complete this quick online form: lasclev.org/ContactForm.
Thank you – we appreciate your partnership as we strive to extend justice in Northeast Ohio.
Have a wonderful holiday season,
Kimberly Barnett-Mills
Managing Attorney for Community Engagement
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Serving Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain counties
lasclev.org
Rights. Dignity. Justice.
