Josh was a 26-year-old veteran suffering from depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Because of his significant mental health issues, he dropped out of school and lost his job. To make ends meet, he donated his plasma several times a month.

After four months of not being able to pay rent, he was served with an eviction notice and was extremely overwhelmed by the possibility of losing his apartment, which was his safe haven.

That’s when Land of Lincoln Legal Aid and the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN) came in.  Through aggressive representation, Land of Lincoln’s IL-AFLAN attorney reached a settlement with his landlord that included a reduction of the amount owed, a payment plan, and the continuation of the lease.  The attorney then worked with a local veteran’s program to provide financial assistance that was used to pay the past due rent that was owed.

With stable housing, Josh redirected his energy to stabilizing his mental health, and re-enrolled in college. He graduated, obtained employment, and as of our last contact, has remain gainfully employed.