Our February Volunteer of the Month is Laura Hartz! Laura has been a pro bono volunteer on ALSC’s Landlord/Tenant Helpline for two years, helping Alaskans navigate their housing issues throughout the pandemic. Thank you for your hard work, Laura!

Why did you choose to volunteer with ALSC?

I chose to volunteer with ALSC because of the important work and advocacy they do for vulnerable Alaskans. They offer frequent training opportunities and staff attorneys are available to answer tough questions.  

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

During my time volunteering with ALSC, I took calls from tenants experiencing retaliatory eviction, tenants struggling to pay rent once the CARES Act funding ran out, and landlords who were committed to complying with the Landlord Tenant Act.

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

Volunteering on the Landlord Tenant hotline gave me the opportunity to provide real-time advice to both landlords and tenants regarding their rights and responsibilities under Alaska’s Landlord Tenant Act. It made me a better listener, improved my ability to speak in plain English about what the law requires, and allowed me to show compassion to people on their hardest days. I know I will bring those listening skills, communication skills, and compassion with me to the Anchorage Superior Court.

What do you do when you are not volunteering with ALSC?

In my free time, I enjoy cross-country skiing, sprint triathlons, and spending time with my family.