Judge Ana L. Escobar and Alé Dalton informally established the Nashville Hispanic Bar Association (NHBA) to create a space where Latine legal professionals could connect, network, and earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits. They never anticipated the impact that this group would have on housing justice work.

Metro Councilwoman Zulfat Suara introduced RS2022-1559, a resolution to invest $2.6 million in funding a pilot program to address Nashville’s growing housing affordability crisis.

The Metro Council unanimously passed this resolution funding the Eviction Right to Counsel Program. The ERTC Program was created to offer legal services, mediation, tenant outreach, and rental assistance.

The Nashville Hispanic Bar Association joins the ERTC Coalition, eager to provide legal representation for immigrant community members. Conexión Americas graciously offered to serve as a fiscal sponsor during the pilot program while NHBA works toward incorporation as a nonprofit.

The first order of business was to hire the Eviction Right to Counsel Legal Director. Shortly after, NHBA opened its doors to serve Nashville renters at risk of eviction.

NHBA hires Anne Boatner, as the first ever Executive Director!

There are a total of five full-time employees - a significant increase from the three employees during the pilot program.

The Eviction Right to Counsel Program completes the two-year Pilot Program. After two years of successfully enforcing renters rights, the ERTC programs’s funding is renewed.

NHBA is still supporting the Eviction Defense Program and movement towards the program becoming a stand alone nonprofit.

We became incorporated as a 501(c)(3) under the Nashville Hispanic Bar Association Foundation.

The ERTC Program publishes an evaluation conducted by Stout, a third party, on the success of the two-year pilot program.

NHBA launches their Social Work program. Michelle Salazar, Director of Social Work, begins her role in integrating legal and social work services.

NHBA hosts its first fellow, Maggie Behringer, expanding our Affirmative Litigation program.

The Board votes to transition from Nashville Hispanic Bar Association to the Nashville Hispanic Bar Association Foundation. Shortly after this resolution passed, NHBAF voted to file under a new registered name. The Nashville Hispanic Bar Association Foundation files as Renters’ Rights of Tennessee (RRTN).

Our work still reflects our origins, with a few minor enhancements; we are an organization dedicated to serving all individuals, regardless of immigration status. Our name change reflects our desire to grow throughout Tennessee to protect vulnerable renters at risk of housing instability.

We are incredibly thankful for all the folks who helped us on our journey to becoming a housing justice nonprofit!

Metro Council increased funding for the ERTC program by $2.4 million. The ERTC Program is funded at $4.5 million!!!

Renters’ Rights of Tennessee grows from seven to eleven with Metro’s increased funding!!!

RRTN expands the Eviction Prevention Program by hiring a Tenant Organizer!