123. San Antonio’s Legal Lifeline: How SALSA Fights for Access to Justice

This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard sits down with Sarah Dingivan, outgoing CEO of the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA), and Gregory Zlotnick, board member for SALSA and faculty at St. Mary’s University School of Law. Together, they discuss the organization’s mission to bridge the gap in civil legal services for San Antonians with limited means—at a time when demand has never been higher.

The conversation explores SALSA’s evolution from a small volunteer initiative to an independent nonprofit, its response to the unique legal needs brought on by the pandemic, and the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable residents—including renters navigating eviction, families struggling with probate, and veterans seeking access to benefits. Dingivan and Zlotnick outline the barriers many encounter when trying to resolve legal problems, and the heavy reliance on a small pool of pro bono attorneys.

They also discuss:

• The extent of unmet civil legal needs in San Antonio and Bexar County
• Key housing challenges, from rising rents to lack of legal protection for tenants
• How SALSA and local partners adapted services during COVID-19
• The importance of preventative legal work for preserving generational wealth
• Resource constraints, funding gaps, and the sustainability of local legal aid
• Opportunities for San Antonio’s legal community and civic leaders to strengthen the safety net

For listeners invested in the future of housing, local justice, and social infrastructure in San Antonio, this episode provides insight into both the immediate realities and long-term policy challenges facing the city’s legal aid ecosystem.

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RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #110. San Antonio’s Model for Homelessness: Why Other Cities Look to Haven for Hope – Building on the conversation around civil legal services for vulnerable San Antonians, this episode highlights how Haven for Hope’s innovative approach to homelessness is serving as a national model. Host Bob Rivard talks with outgoing CEO Kim Jeffries about the power of cross-sector collaboration, pandemic-era challenges, and what’s next for both San Antonio and other cities facing similar crises.  🔗 Listen here. 

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