Eviction Defense Collaborative 955 Market, 12th Floor
www.evictiondefense.org
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@evictiondefense.org
(415) 947-0797 x117

The Eviction Defense Collaborative is the principal organization in San Francisco helping low-income tenants respond to eviction lawsuits. Each year we provide emergency legal services and rental assistance to over 5,000 tenants in San Francisco. The majority of tenants we help are extremely low income and facing the immediate threat of becoming homeless.

Our legal services clinic provides counseling and legal help to tenants during the eviction process. Programs include preparing a response to the lawsuit, limited representation at the settlement conference, and preparation of requests for delays of the sheriff's eviction.

Our rental assistance program provides one-time, no-interest loans to tenants at risk of losing their residence and becoming homeless because they have fallen behind in their rent.

Volunteering

Attorneys, bilingual volunteers and volunteers who have experience working with diverse populations are especially needed.

Under the supervision of a staff attorney and the volunteer coordinator, EDC Volunteers and Interns interview and counsel tenants facing eviction and assist legal staff with necessary paperwork and pleadings. Papers prepared by the EDC include fee waiver applications, answers, demurrers, motions to quash, motions to strike, and applications for stays of execution. Volunteers and Interns also help prepare for and assist in court- mandated settlement conferences. Law Students and Community Members who commit to a second semester have the option of contributing in other areas, including discovery, trial preparation, legal research and more depending on individual availability and skills. We are also developing volunteer positions within our Rental Assistance Disbursement Component (RADCo). These volunteers would interview and counsel tenants needing rental assistance and provide education about budgeting basics.

EDC staff and volunteers do not appear in court for tenants, but may take part in settlement conferences.

Interns and volunteers are asked to commit to at least two 4-hour shifts per week, although more shifts are encouraged. Additionally, volunteers are asked to attend two In-Service Trainings during their time with us.

Our internships can be scheduled around dates that correspond with your needs. Typically our internships are scheduled by season, with interns usually staying for at least a Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer internship. You are welcome to start and end at any point as long as you fulfill your three-month commitment.

Our internships are unpaid but we can accommodate work-study programs if applicable.

We are always looking for volunteers who are interested in tenants' rights and who enjoy working with others. Although experience in or knowledge of landlord-tenant law is preferred, we do provide training in landlord-tenant law, civil procedure and interviewing clients. We also provide a training manual that further explains any relevant law, the San Francisco Rent Ordinance and pertinent areas of civil procedure.

Counseling Hours:
We are a drop-in clinic only, and we are open to clients Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. -3 p.m. Volunteers are especially needed during these hours, but we can always use your help anytime from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.