Not alone: Legal support to stop foreclosures

When people hear the word foreclosure, they often imagine a family already on the verge of losing their home. But in our 11 year experience, we have learned that housing insecurity begins much earlier. It starts with living costs going up,  utility bills that keep increasing, medical emergencies, reduced work hours, a separation, domestic violence, children needs. And so, a mortgage payment that was manageable a few years ago no longer fits within a family budget stretched by the rising cost of everyday life.

Across Puerto Rico, housing has become increasingly difficult to afford. Home prices continue to rise while many families struggle to keep pace with the cost of living. For homeowners, this creates a constant sense of uncertainty: one unexpected event can threaten years of sacrifice and investment.

Ayuda Legal Puerto Rico’s work is not limited to responding when a foreclosure case reaches the courtroom. We help people understand their rights, review documents, identify options, and navigate systems that are often confusing and inaccessible. We provide legal accompaniment during moments of fear and shame so that families can make informed decisions. Moreover, we advance the right to housing everywhere. We also know that the housing challenges facing Puerto Rico cannot be separated from larger questions about displacement, affordability, and the future of our communities. Every family that remains in its home helps preserve neighborhood stability, community ties, and the possibility of building a future on the island.

As economic uncertainty continues and public institutions face increasing strain, the need for legal support remains urgent. Families should not have to navigate these challenges alone. Your donation helps us promote legal awareness, direct accompaniment, and advocacy to people fighting to stay in their homes. Together, we can ensure that more families have access to the information, support, and representation they need before displacement becomes a reality Join us in defending the right to stay. Every contribution helps keep families housed, communities connected, and hope within reach.

In solidarity,

For many families, losing their home doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with a notice they don’t understand, a court date they’re afraid to attend, or a policy change that quietly removes a layer of protection. Derecho a Tu Casa exists to step in at that moment—before displacement becomes inevitable.

In 2016, this program was created to defend the right to stay. It provides legal accompaniment to tenants and homeowners facing eviction, foreclosure, or other housing threats, while also helping people understand their rights and options. As the housing crisis continues to grow, Derecho a Tu Casa has adapted to meet new challenges. The program has been modified in response to shifting policies, court practices, and enforcement trends that directly affect whether people can remain in their homes.

Legal accompaniment is at the core of this work. We walk alongside people as they navigate complex legal processes—reviewing documents, preparing court filings, communicating with landlords or agencies, and making informed decisions under pressure. This support matters because legal systems are rarely designed with vulnerable communities in mind. Accompaniment helps reduce fear, confusion, and isolation, and gives people a real chance to assert their right to stay.

Legal education and awareness is a key part of the program. Through workshops, materials, and one-on-one conversations, Derecho a Tu Casa helps people recognize early warning signs, understand their housing rights, and take action before a crisis escalates. Knowledge becomes a tool for protection—not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

What makes this program especially effective is how direct legal work is strengthened by informed policy analysis. By closely monitoring housing policies and legal developments, we are able to adapt our strategies and provide guidance that reflects the reality people are facing right now. At the same time, the cases we accompany reveal where the system is failing, informing broader efforts to defend housing stability and the right to stay.

The need for this work continues to grow. More families are being pushed toward displacement, often with limited protections and few resources. Continued support is essential to expand legal accompaniment, strengthen community education, and respond quickly to emerging threats.

By supporting Derecho a Tu Casa, you are helping people stay in their homes, protect their dignity, and build stronger, more resilient communities.