"Don't Borrow Trouble Hotline"

Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center - 030116

Abstract Number: 030116

August 2003

Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) launched the "Don't Borrow Trouble Hotline," in February 2002. The Hotline is a bilingual service dedicated to delivering legal services to low-income victims of predatory lending. The hotline helps homeowner's obtain housing counseling, mortgage foreclosure advice and representation and advice on alternative loan products. This hotline is part of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, a project launched by John F. Street, Philadelphia's Mayor, to revitalize Philadelphia's neighborhoods. The hotline serves all of Philadelphia and users can call the hotline 24 hours a day seven days per week at: (215) 523-9520. The hotline's staff includes one attorney, two paralegals, and volunteer law students. People who think they have been victimized can call the hotline for further information to determine whether or not additional services are needed. PLA staff members deliver legal advice, legal representation, and referrals to pro bono attorneys.

The genesis of this project in the mayor's office provided PLA with an excellent opportunity to establish partnerships with the Philadelphia Office of Housing and Community Development, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and other state agencies. These partners established a predatory lending task force to establish a city-wide, coordinated response to the threat posed by predatory lending. PLA's partnership with the mayor's office provided the added benefit of the mayor's office spearheading the city-wide outreach campaign which included a press conference and news releases. Advertisements appeared in the local press and Dawn T. Williams, Esq. the hotline manager, appeared on a radio show to advertise this new resource.

In 2002, the hotline handled approximately 1500 calls. In 2003, the hotline is on track to double their volume. For more information on this project, access the press release below.

Contact Information:

Dawn T. Williams, Esq.
Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center
1424 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 981-3847
Fax: (215) 981-3860
Dwilliams@philalegal.org

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