Provides advice and representation on education related problems, with a focus on: - Bullying and harassment in schools - Education of English language learners - Education of students experiencing homelessness - Racial discrimination and bias in schools - School expulsions and some suspensions - Special education services for students with disabilities

Provides legal services including: - Creditor problems and harassment by bill collectors - Contract-for-Deed issues - Custody and visitation issues - Divorce - Evictions - Family issues - Fuel assistance - Garnishment - Housing code violations - Landlord-tenant issues including leases, evictions, denials of subsidized housing, fair housing, repair issues, etc. - Mortgage foreclosures - Representation for General Assistance, MFIP, Food Benefits, and Medical Assistance - Unemployment compensation - Utilities - Supplemental Security Income Legal Clinics: Virtual advice regarding Bankruptcy, Family Law, and Social Security is available Home visits may be possible Legal Aid does not handle adoption, paternity, or wills, but special circumstance cases are considered Assistance may involve representation, advice, or referral. The demand for services is high and Legal Aid is unable to handle all requests for assistance. There are established case priorities and, in some instances, waiting lists have become necessary to allocate services. Advice appointments may occur in person, on the phone, electronically, at clinics, or outreach.

Provides legal advice and/or representation in cases involving: - Denial of relocation benefits based on government displacement and non-return of security deposits - Discrimination - Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) - Illegal lockouts and utility terminations by landlords - Maintenance and repairs in rental housing - Mortgage foreclosures and cancellations of contracts for deed - Public and subsidized housing admissions and terminations

Enforces Minnesota Human Rights Act by investigation and conciliation of charges of discrimination. Complaints can be made by anyone who feels that she/he has been discriminated against in the areas of: - Business on the basis of: race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or sexual orientation - Credit on the basis of: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, public assistance, or sexual orientation - Education on the basis of: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, public assistance, age, or sexual orientation - Employment on the basis of: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, public assistance, age, sexual orientation, familial status, or local human rights commission activity - Housing on the basis of: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, public assistance, sexual orientation, or familial status - Public accommodations on the basis of: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation - Public services on the basis of: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, public assistance, or sexual orientation The Discrimination Helpline allows Minnesotans who experience or witness bias and discrimination to report incidents to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Legal services and representation provided to victims as they interact with the various systems that may be related to sexual assault. These include the criminal justice system, law enforcement, governmental entities, social services, civil attorneys and others. An attorney and legal advocate work specifically with victim/survivors on the sometimes complicated issues that can arise as a result of sexual violence. Legal services for victims of sexual assault including: - Applying for a protection order, known as an Order for Protection (OFP) or Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO) - Applying for Crime Victim Reparations (reimbursement for expenses due to the violence) - Applying for the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program - Assistance Writing Victim Impact Statements - Attending court and campus hearings - Ending a lease due to sexual violence - Follow up interviews with law enforcement or educational institutions - Legal advice and representation in civil legal matters including: - Divorce, child custody, and paternity - Employment - Housing (landlord/tenant disputes) - Immigration - Orders for Protection/Harassment Restraining Orders - Title IX (prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program) - Provide information about the criminal justice process - Reporting sexual violence, including trafficking and exploitation - Safety planning

The Winona Human Rights Commission will review complaints about discrimination based upon race, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, creed, disability, public assistance, or family status. In addition this office will review legal rights violations at work, in housing, and in all public accommodations (including schools, governmental offices, and voting sites). After a complaint is filed, the office will try to mediate a settlement between or among the parties involved. The settlement must be approved by all of the parties and by the Human Rights Commissions. Referrals are made if further action is needed. In addition this office can provide public education on the laws concerning discrimination through a speakers bureau with presentations for employers and organizations on request.

Assists agricultural workers with employment-related legal issues and improving the working and living conditions of agricultural workers. Cases that are generally accepted: - Employer-provided housing concerns - Employment discrimination and retaliation - H-2A contract violations - Labor trafficking - Limited public benefits assistance - Problems during the recruitment process - Wage theft - Workplace health and safety violations

Minnesota Disability Law Center provides the following services: Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology Advocacy for people with disabilities who are having problems with assistive technology devices or services (e.g. power wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices). Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries Advocacy for people who have had traumatic brain injuries and need legal assistance on issues related to abuse or neglect, civil rights, access to community-based services, health care coverage, discrimination in public accommodations and services, and special education services. Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Advocacy for people with developmental disabilities who need legal assistance on issues related to abuse and neglect, civil rights, access to community-based services, health care coverage, discrimination in public accommodations and services, and/or appropriate special education services. Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Advocacy for people with mental illness who need legal assistance on issues related to abuse and neglect, civil rights, access to community-based services, health care, discrimination in public accommodations and services, and/or special education services. Service priority is given to people residing in care or treatment facilities. Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights Advocacy for people with disabilities who need legal assistance due to discrimination and/or problems accessing government programs and government buildings (parks, schools), public services, public accommodations, housing, transportation, health care, and insurance. Client Assistance Project (CAP) Advocacy for people with disabilities who are having problems with agencies funded under the Rehabilitation Act, such as Minnesota's Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and its State Services for the Blind (SSB). Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Advocacy for people with disabilities who are Social Security beneficiaries (SSI and/or SSDI) in their efforts to secure or keep employment. Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) Education, outreach, and advocacy to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process. Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Representative Payees Reviews of representative payees and beneficiaries throughout Minnesota, working under the guidance of the Social Security Administration.

Accepts and investigates charges of employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, equal pay, and disability.

Provides advice and representation on education related problems, with a focus on: - Bullying and harassment in schools - Education of English language learners - Education of students experiencing homelessness - Racial discrimination and bias in schools - School expulsions and some suspensions - Special education services for students with disabilities

Legal representation for blind or visually impaired persons when such action is appropriate or representation cannot be adequately provided by other organizations on issues including: - Access and acceptance of guide dogs, etc. - Counseling, assistance, representation in areas such as right to rehabilitation services - Freedom from discrimination in employment, housing, transportation - Homestead and income tax credits - Social Security Disability benefits, Medicare and other social services assistance - Special educational services for children

- Prevention of Homelessness: HUD certified counselors will work with individuals to analyze their situation, including needs and barriers to finding and keeping accommodations. Individuals are then connected to resources that can help to resolve issues; resources offered by MUL and partner agencies in the community. - Housing Discrimination Workshop: workshop covering fair lending practices, lending scams, and rental discrimination. Qualifying clients will have access to free legal consultation through the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis and the Volunteer Lawyers Network. One-on-one counseling is also available by appointment. - Realizing the American Dream: A homebuyer education course offering an interactive curriculum on all aspects of purchasing a home. Offers non-biased, third party advice and access to multi-faceted resources. The curriculum covers topics including: are you ready to buy a home, managing your money, obtaining a mortgage loan, shopping for a home, and protecting your investment. Upon completion of the course, each participant is assigned to a HUD approved housing counselor who works with participants one-on-one to create an individual road map to home ownership.

Provides legal advice and/or representation in cases involving: - Denial of relocation benefits based on government displacement and non-return of security deposits - Discrimination - Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) - Illegal lockouts and utility terminations by landlords - Maintenance and repairs in rental housing - Mortgage foreclosures and cancellations of contracts for deed - Public and subsidized housing admissions and terminations

Legal assistance for housing discrimination including: - Refusal to rent due to protected class status (gender, race, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, age, etc.). - Refusal to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, other discrimination in terms and conditions of housing. - HousingLink has additional information and resources regarding Fair Housing including legal help for renters and tenant advocacy.

Provides legal advice and/or representation in cases involving: - Denial of relocation benefits based on government displacement and non-return of security deposits - Discrimination - Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) - Illegal lockouts and utility terminations by landlords - Maintenance and repairs in rental housing - Mortgage foreclosures and cancellations of contracts for deed - Public and subsidized housing admissions and terminations

Provides legal advice and representation to renters from: - Discrimination - Landlord harassment - Evictions - Poor housing conditions and secure emergency repairs - Prevent unlawful lockouts - Secure emergency rent assistance - Utility shutoff

- Assistance addressing discrimination regarding businesses, education, employment, housing, public accommodations and public services - Coordination of activities with community groups and organizations involved in human rights issues - Facilitation of no-fault mediation for citizens and out-of-court resolutions - Sponsorship for enrichment activities that celebrate diversity

Legal assistance for older adults in the areas of: - Assisted living and nursing home problems - Conservatorship assistance - advice only - Consumer/debtor rights - Discrimination: health care, housing, unemployment - Grandparent rights - Guardianship assistance - advice only - Public benefits: Medical Assistance and SSI

- Accept and process complaints of discrimination and refer complaints of discrimination to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR), EEO, HUD, or Department of Justice as appropriate. Areas of discrimination assistance: - ?- Business - - Credit - - Education - - Employment - - Housing - - Public accommodations - - Public service - Promotes an accessible and diverse workforce - Responsible for enforcement of policies against discrimination and harassment - Works to increase full accessibility to all City services and programs

Minnesota Disability Law Center provides the following services: Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology Advocacy for people with disabilities who are having problems with assistive technology devices or services (e.g. power wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices). Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries Advocacy for people who have had traumatic brain injuries and need legal assistance on issues related to abuse or neglect, civil rights, access to community-based services, health care coverage, discrimination in public accommodations and services, and special education services. Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Advocacy for people with developmental disabilities who need legal assistance on issues related to abuse and neglect, civil rights, access to community-based services, health care coverage, discrimination in public accommodations and services, and/or appropriate special education services. Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Advocacy for people with mental illness who need legal assistance on issues related to abuse and neglect, civil rights, access to community-based services, health care, discrimination in public accommodations and services, and/or special education services. Service priority is given to people residing in care or treatment facilities. Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights Advocacy for people with disabilities who need legal assistance due to discrimination and/or problems accessing government programs and government buildings (parks, schools), public services, public accommodations, housing, transportation, health care, and insurance. Client Assistance Project (CAP) Advocacy for people with disabilities who are having problems with agencies funded under the Rehabilitation Act, such as Minnesota's Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and its State Services for the Blind (SSB). Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Advocacy for people with disabilities who are Social Security beneficiaries (SSI and/or SSDI) in their efforts to secure or keep employment. Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) Education, outreach, and advocacy to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process. Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Representative Payees Reviews of representative payees and beneficiaries throughout Minnesota, working under the guidance of the Social Security Administration.

Legal advice and representation with housing issues related to eviction, mortgage foreclosure, poor housing conditions, Section 8, accessibility issues for disabled individuals, or discrimination.

- Provides referrals regarding disability discrimination issues and rights under law - Training, information, and legal advocacy to parents of children with disabilities to help them secure the education and services guaranteed to their children by law - Legal representation (only takes a few cases each year) to adults and children with disabilities, in both individual and class action cases involving their rights to employment, education, transportation, housing, and access to public accommodations - Training and speakers for the disability community, public entitles, and private businesses on the provisions of the ADA and it's relationship to other state and federal laws - Education for legislators and policy-makers on issues affecting the rights of people with disabilities - Training for law students through the Disability Clinical Legal Education Program including a consortium of 5 law schools and DREDF offering a course in disability rights law and a clinic in which students work on DREDF cases

Provides advice and representation on education related problems, with a focus on: - Bullying and harassment in schools - Education of English language learners - Education of students experiencing homelessness - Racial discrimination and bias in schools - School expulsions and some suspensions - Special education services for students with disabilities

FHEO works to eliminate housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities. - Filing a complaint - Investigates cases of discrimination under the Fair Housing Act (including housing that is privately owned and operated), and discrimination and other civil rights violations in housing and community development programs, including those funded by HUD

Legal services may include: legal advice, review court papers, assist in drafting paperwork, mediate, negotiate, litigate, and/or represent at an administrative law or district court hearing LSNM assists people with low incomes and issues critical to daily life. Cases including: - Consumer: threats or harassment by a creditor or debt collector, paycheck or bank account being garnished, and utilities shut off - Education: children with a disability and need an Individualized Education Program (IEP), wrongfully disciplined, suspended or expelled of a child - Employment: criminal history, denied unemployment benefits - Family: custody, divorce, parenting time rights, understanding court papers, etc. - Housing: contract for deed, denied of subsidized housing, evictions, foreclosures, housing discrimination and accommodation, locked out, and repair issues - Protective orders: from physically harming or threatening to harm an individual or child and harassment - Public assistance and disability benefits: food support, medical assistance or other public assistance, denied necessary medical care and unable to work because of a disability - Senior issues: health care directive, power of attorney, and simple will