July Volunteer of the Month: Kevin Coe

ALSC’s volunteer of the month for July is the amazing Kevin Coe! Kevin does an outstanding job as a volunteer for ALSC’s landlord-tenant helpline and we are so lucky to have his services! Read on for our interview with Kevin:

Why did you choose to volunteer with ALSC?

I volunteer with Alaska Legal Services because it provides me an opportunity to use my experience and training in the legal field to help my community. It wasn’t long ago when I was also in need, and this is my way of re-contributing. We are all only a few steps removed from being in need.

What are some of your experiences at ALSC that have made a positive difference in the lives of others and/or the community?

I have mainly volunteered on the landlord-tenant hotline answering questions related to residential rental agreements. I think the biggest benefit I give to people is being a set of ears to listen and a voice to help them work out options to solve their own problem.

I don’t know if I’ve helped solve any problems, but I do know people feel more confident and comfortable with their course of action after talking it out. I can only hope it has prevented landlords from suffering financially devastating property loss and tenants from becoming homeless or living in squalor.

How do you think your experiences with ALSC will benefit you in the future?

My time volunteering with Alaska Legal Services helps me remain connected with my community and cognizant of real life issues people commonly face. I genuinely enjoy discussing these issues and have benefited from researching and learning areas of law that I do not typically practice in.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

True story, I have a side job and professionally flip burgers 2 weeks every year at the Alaska State Fair. This also helps me remain grounded.