Human Services Data

Highlights

City Ordinance 71694, also known as Board Bill #59, created the Right To Counsel legislation, enacted to ensure access to legal representation for City of St. Louis tenants facing eviction or similar proceedings. As a result of that ordinance, the project named Housing Eviction Law Program (HELP STL City) was launched in August of 2024.

The City of St. Louis has entered into a contract with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) and has designated LSEM to implement the project offering free legal services. 

For more information about the program, visit the City’s webpage on HELP-STL. For additional data on the program outcomes, review the monthly and annual reports submitted by LSEM to the Department of Human Services.

Number of Cases Open and Closed by Quarter

The data below summarizes the work that has been completed through this program since its inception in August 2024 through March 31, 2026. The first graph shows the number of cases opened and closed each quarter, along with the total number of cases that were open at the end of each quarter, since most cases are open for longer than three months. From Q3 2024 through Q1 2026, LSEM has successfully closed 400 cases supporting clients at risk of eviction. Many cases remain active, and new cases continue to be opened each month.

Financial Impact of Legal Services

The graph below summarizes the financial impact of services provided for clients whose cases have been successfully closed. From August 2025 through March 2026, the program has had a direct financial impact of $811,900 on renters at risk of or facing eviction. The financial impact includes monetary judgments, attorneys fees, late fees, and back rent avoided; negotiated reductions in amount of rent or fees owed; a negotiated “cash for keys” settlement; financial assistance obtained from third party resources; and a security deposit returned.