LIFT

EVANSTON, IL—Beginning in late January, LIFT-Evanston will offer free tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families at its site in Evanston. LIFT-Evanston is staffed by trained college student volunteers from Northwestern University.

After moving out of his old apartment, Marc Alampi needed help recovering his security deposit from his former landlord.  LIFT-Chicago connected him to free legal aid, where lawyers were able to obtain a ruling that forced the landlord to reimburse the deposit plus damages to Marc.

He returned to LIFT for help with additional issues, but struggled to make much progress when he jumped back and forth between projects.  LIFT worked with Marc to channel his focus on immediate needs and long-term goals, first concentrating on obtaining better housing.  Marc says, “Volunteers have helped me organize my life and helped me work towards my goals. By working with me to set goals, timelines, and priorities, they have given me direction and helped with my personal decision-making.”