Ober|Kaler's Sandy Teplitzky Named Honorary Chair of 2012 Homeless Persons Representation Project Campaign

May 9, 2012

Baltimore, MD May 9, 2012 – The law firm of Ober|Kaler is pleased to announce that Sandy Teplitzky, co-chair of the firm's nationally recognized Health Law Group, has been named Honorary Chair of the Fourth Annual Campaign to End Homelessness, benefitting the Homeless Persons Representation Project. The campaign, which runs through September 30, 2012, provides resources that will help transform the lives of citizens lacking the most basic of human needs – having a place to live.

Homelessness in Maryland is increasing. In 2011, Baltimore City documented a 19.6% increase in homelessness, compounding the 12% increase identified in 2009 and consistent with the rise in poverty in Baltimore City. The 2011 Baltimore City Homeless Youth Count identified 640 homeless youth ages 13-25, an increase of 214 over the 2009 figure. Of the 640 unaccompanied homeless youth, 115 were under the age of 18.

"The increasing numbers of homeless people in Baltimore City, particularly those under the age of 18, is sad and alarming," said Teplitzky. "My goals are to help raise awareness of the plight of these citizens, and to achieve the support needed to turn the tide of homelessness in Baltimore."

Antonia Fasanelli, Executive Director of HPRP, reports "I am honored that Sandy has generously agreed to lead the effort to ensure that we have the resources to meet the legal needs of the increased number of people experiencing homelessness."

HPRP provides free civil legal services, counseling and advocacy with the unique purpose of ending homelessness in Maryland. HPRP handles about 700 individual cases a year, helping people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness obtain or maintain housing, public benefits, and other critical resources to stabilize their lives. When necessary, HPRP has successfully initiated litigation, working with other organizations and law firms providing pro bono services, to ensure that thousands of individuals and families receive the benefits to which they are entitled. In advocacy, HPRP staff use their knowledge and expertise derived from client experiences to inform policy. For more information, visit www.hprplaw.org.

The Daily Record is a media sponsor of the 4th Annual Campaign to End Homelessness.

About Ober|Kaler
Ober|Kaler is a national law firm providing integrated regulatory, transactional and litigation services to financial, health care, construction and other business organizations. The firm has more than 130 attorneys, and offices in Baltimore, Washington, DC and Falls Church. For more information please visit www.ober.com.