Matthew Hulse and his organization can help seniors – but, he believes, not enough people know it exists.
Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (CCSLS), a nonprofit based in Concord, offers free legal assistance to seniors who need documents such as a will, power of attorney or an advanced health care directive – as well as those threatened with losing their homes or who are victims of scams or abuse.
CCSLS has been providing these services since 1976, helping thousands of seniors stay in their homes, recover property or money lost to scams, and get relief from elder abuse.
“The biggest obstacle we have,” said Hulse, “is that people don’t know about us.”
To that end, CCSLS reaches out to county residents through monthly clinics all over Contra Costa, including Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and Martinez.
Seniors (over 60) can also reach out to CCSLS through its website (ccsls.org) or by calling 925.609.7900, and Hulse emphasized that all county residents are eligible.
“We spend a lot of our time helping people stay in their homes,” he said, but the range of services means many seniors can benefit.
“Every county in the country should have free legal services for seniors,” said Hulse – and luckily, Contra Costa County has had CCSLS for 50 years.
