LSNYC Helps Mother Evicted During Pregnancy Reclaim Her Home

Selena (pseudonym) was eight months pregnant when she and her eight-year-old son were evicted, a traumatic event that capped off a long period of domestic violence and abuse. The day after a marshall locked the door on their apartment, she went to court on her own to ask for her home back. But 24 hours later, the stress of the eviction sent her into premature labor; her daughter was born several weeks early, but healthy.

Three days after giving birth, Selena attempted to make her next court date, stopping along the way to feed her crying newborn. By the time she arrived, the judge had ruled against her because she was late. Locked out of her apartment and without a crib or baby supplies, Selena had nowhere to go but a friend’s family member’s home.

Selena was referred to Legal Services NYC, under the representation of our attorney Molly, who immediately filed to reverse the eviction and to seek rental assistance from the city. During her pregnancy and domestic abuse, Selena had smartly prioritized protecting her employment — a choice that allowed Molly to successfully advocate for a special city grant — a “one-shot deal” — to cover back-rent. 

Soon after, a housing court judge restored Selena and her two children to their affordable, rent-stabilized home. With LSNYC’s intervention, a mother recovering from premature childbirth and her two young children avoided homelessness and returned home together.

This case underscores how timely legal representation can mean the difference between keeping a family safely housed and entering the shelter system.