The Impact of Free Legal Representation: What Housing Stability Looks Like at The Waterfront Project
Housing stability is more than a statistic. It’s a family remaining in their home, a tenant receiving the time they need to relocate, or a homeowner having the opportunity to understand and defend their rights.
At The Waterfront Project, we believe everyone deserves access to legal assistance, regardless of their income. Through free legal services and housing counseling, we work with individuals and families throughout Hudson County who are facing eviction, foreclosure, and other housing-related challenges.
As we reflect on our impact so far this year, our case outcomes demonstrate just how important access to legal representation can be when someone’s home is at stake.
But what do these numbers actually mean for the people we serve?
What Our Impact Looks Like So Far This Year
Our work in eviction defense has resulted in a range of outcomes, each representing a different way we have helped clients protect their housing rights and navigate housing instability.
Here is a look at our results:
- 25% of cases were dismissed in their entirety. These dismissals allowed clients to avoid eviction through the termination of their eviction proceedings.
- 40% were resolved through pay-and-stay agreements. These agreements allowed clients to remain in their homes through negotiated payment plans, providing an opportunity to address outstanding balances without losing their housing.
- 15% resulted in no-pay-and-go agreements. These agreements provided clients with additional time to vacate, typically 30 days or more, without requiring further payment to the landlord.
- 3–4% resulted in pay-and-go agreements. These outcomes provided clients with additional time to relocate while agreeing to make some payment to their landlord.
- 3% resulted in relocation funds. In cases involving illegal or uninhabitable living conditions, our advocacy helped clients secure relocation funds from their landlords.
- 5% of clients vacated before trial or the scheduled lockout date. These cases concluded with clients leaving before the final stages of the eviction process.
- 6–10% resulted in Orderly Removal orders. These orders postponed lockouts for at least one week, providing clients with additional time to prepare for their move.
Percentages are approximate and may not total 100% due to rounding.
What These Outcomes Mean for Our Clients
When discussing eviction prevention, success is often measured by whether a tenant is able to remain in their home. While preserving long-term housing is one of our primary goals, the reality is that not every case has the same resolution.
For some individuals, success means having their eviction case dismissed entirely. For others, it means negotiating a payment arrangement that allows them to stay in their home and regain financial stability.
There are also circumstances where remaining in a property is no longer possible or practical. In these situations, securing additional time to relocate, avoiding further financial obligations, or obtaining relocation assistance can make an enormous difference.
Consider the difference between being forced to leave your home immediately and having 30 days or more to find another place to live. That additional time can provide an opportunity to arrange transportation, locate alternative housing, coordinate with family members, and avoid the immediate disruption of an unexpected displacement.
Similarly, relocation funds can help offset the financial burden of finding another home, particularly when a tenant has been living in illegal or uninhabitable conditions.
These outcomes remind us that housing stability does not look the same for everyone. Sometimes it means preserving a home. Other times, it means making sure someone has the time, resources, and protections necessary to move forward safely.
Why Access to Free Legal Representation Matters
For many of the individuals and families we serve, a housing crisis is not simply a legal issue. It is a financial and personal crisis that can affect employment, education, family stability, and overall well-being.
Low-income households often have very little financial flexibility to address unexpected expenses, accumulated rent arrears, or the costs associated with finding alternative housing. Without access to legal representation, tenants may have difficulty understanding court procedures, identifying potential defenses, negotiating agreements, or recognizing when their rights have been violated.
Free legal assistance helps level that playing field.
At The Waterfront Project, our attorneys and housing advocates work directly with clients to understand their circumstances, explain their legal options, advocate on their behalf, and pursue the best possible outcome for their individual situation.
Our work is not simply about navigating the court system. It is about ensuring that people have an opportunity to be heard, understand their rights, and make informed decisions about their housing.
Beyond the Numbers: Why This Work Matters to Hudson County
Housing instability affects more than the individual or family facing eviction. It affects entire neighborhoods and communities.
When families are displaced, children may experience disruptions in their education, individuals may lose access to familiar support systems, and communities can lose the neighbors who help make them what they are.
Hudson County is home to thousands of individuals and families who are working to maintain stable, affordable housing. As housing costs and financial pressures continue to challenge residents, access to legal services becomes an increasingly important part of preventing displacement.
Our impact reflects what is possible when individuals have someone advocating for their rights and helping them navigate a housing crisis.
Every dismissed case, negotiated agreement, additional day secured, and dollar of relocation assistance represents a meaningful outcome for someone who needed help.
Help Us Continue Protecting Homes
At The Waterfront Project, we know there is still more work to do.
Our ability to provide free legal services and housing counseling depends on the generosity and commitment of our funders, donors, community partners, and supporters. Their investment allows us to continue standing alongside individuals and families who might otherwise have nowhere to turn for legal assistance.
Whether we are helping a tenant remain in their home, negotiating time for a safe relocation, or advocating for someone’s housing rights, our mission remains the same: to protect homes, prevent displacement, and promote housing stability.
Because everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home.
Jersey City is our home. Hudson County is our community. And when our neighbors are at risk of losing their homes, we all have a reason to care.
Support The Waterfront Project and help us continue making a difference in the lives of our neighbors.