Housing and Economic Rights Advocates

HERA is the only California statewide, not-for-profit legal service and advocacy organization with the mission of ensuring that all people are protected from discrimination and economic abuses, especially in the realm of housing. At HERA, we believe a key task of attorneys is to educate consumers. We believe most life goals and challenges have financial and legal components inextricably intertwined. We focus particularly on the needs of those most vulnerable, including lower-income people, the elderly, immigrants, people of color, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, service-members and veterans, and youth.

HERA’s in-depth, one-on-one financial counseling entails review and analysis with residents of all of their debts, other expenses, all income, bank accounts (if any), and credit report. We counsel on how to improve income, reduce debt, address collections and credit reporting problems, and on less costly alternatives for borrowing and financial institution accounts. We work with residents to meet their financial wellness goals. We are unusual in our range of service strategies, combining (1) financial/legal education of vulnerable residents targeted for various predatory practices (not just housing related), (2) trainings for professionals, (3) legal services for individuals, (4) research; (5) technical assistance to professionals, (6) community organizing, and (7) policy work.

HERA believes that financial literacy should include educating the public on the legal rules of the road regarding debt (types of debt, amount, and collections), credit (reporting and access), bank accounts (types, costs, value), and access to affordable credit as this information is essential to prevent and address most financial problems.

HERA's work saving homes through legal advocacy and litigation continues. Many homeowners still owe more than what their home is worth, and many are still struggling to regain their financial footing and maintain or obtain steady employment. HERA advocates directly with mortgage servicers, regulators, and the courts to help people keep their home.

People need the opportunity for a fresh start, and need help fighting aggressive debt collectors who ask for payment on debts that are not owed, ask for fees that are not owed, and sometimes target vulnerable people including women, people of color, veterans, youth, and immigrants for collections scams. HERA continues to expand our work to address student loan and medical debt issues.

An important element of financial wellness is planning for the future. In 2017, HERA established an Estate Planning practice to support vulnerable low-to-moderate income California residents in managing and preserving their assets for the people they care for most. We offer services to protect the family home for future generations seeking to remain in their chosen communities. HERA's estate planning services offer residents an opportunity to designate financial choices for the future.

Family caregivers frequently find themselves caring for others with little to no preparation or support. Frequently, caregivers leave paying work that can have major financial impacts in the future. With few options for paid leave, many individuals, most frequently women, leave their paid positions to serve as caregivers. HERA seeks to provide financial wellness education for caregivers that benefits the caregiver, their families, and those in their care. Our support includes workshops, clinics, and individual coaching/counseling to support the family caregiver's personal finances, and help prepare them to care for another's finances as well.

Servicemembers and veterans are particularly vulnerable to predatory lending abuses, and other financial scams. HERA has prioritized up and is expanding outreach and services to Servicemembers, veterans, their family members and caregivers.