HealthSphere

From San Francisco to Miami to Baltimore, mayoral elections this fall will shape the future of American cities for decades to come. While many of these elections are focused on housing, homelessness, and public health, an overlooked approach that sits at the intersection of all three is access to legal representation. Many have argued that legal representation is a civil right; it may also be a fundamental public health necessity. Consider Michelle’s story. Michelle is a 52-year-old grandmother living in public housing with her two young granddaughters. Their unit was riddled with black mold and sewage backups so severe that they had to use buckets of water to bathe. Despite repeated pleas to her landlord, no repairs were made. As their living conditions worsened, so did their health. Michelle made several trips to the emergency room—first for respiratory issues due to mold exposure and later for gastrointestinal problems exacerbated by the unsanitary conditions. Michelle’s health, alo