Helping Veterans with Housing Issues through Legal Support
Medical-legal Partnerships to Prevent Evictions and Homelessness Among Veterans
NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT04924088
This study tests whether Veterans facing housing issues get better support and mental health outcomes from a new legal help program that combines legal and mental health services compared to traditional legal aid.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development (fed) |
| Locations | 1 site (West Haven, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT04924088 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates the effectiveness of medical-legal partnerships (MLPs) in assisting Veterans facing housing-related legal problems. By randomly assigning 300 Veterans to receive either legal help from an MLP or traditional community legal services, the study aims to evaluate differences in housing stability and mental health outcomes over one year. The MLP approach integrates legal and mental health support, addressing the unique challenges Veterans face in navigating the legal system. The study will also gather qualitative feedback from participants about their experiences with the legal services provided.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans with housing-related legal issues who are engaged in VA mental health or homeless programs and meet specific income criteria.
Not a fit: Patients who are already receiving civil legal aid from the Connecticut Veterans Legal Program or those unable to complete follow-up assessments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve housing stability and mental health for Veterans facing legal challenges.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that medical-legal partnerships can improve housing and mental health outcomes for Veterans, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Annual non-VA income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level * Has a legal problem related to housing (e.g., eviction, rent arrears, housing violation) * Engaged in a VA mental health or homeless program * Able to provide informed consent * Match income level CVLC uses for service eligibility * Participants will be recruited from zip codes in which the team and CVLC will be recruiting from Exclusion Criteria: * Has been assigned a conservator of person * Will not be able to complete follow-up assessments (e.g., moving away) * Already receiving civil legal aid from Connecticut Veterans Legal Program
Where this trial is running
West Haven, Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT — West Haven, Connecticut, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marc I. Rosen, MD — VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT
- Study coordinator: Allison Lee, MPH
- Email: allison.lee@va.gov
- Phone: (203) 932-5711
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Homelessness, Mental Health, legal services, mental health services, veterans, medical-legal partnership