Missourians facing an eviction or some other legal issue often rely on a lawyer’s help.

But what about when that person is below the poverty line? 

All four legal aid regions in Missouri received a major revenue boost through an appropriation bill signed last month by Gov. Mike Parson.

With Parson’s signature, $125 million was distributed among the agencies. 

Money hit accounts within the last couple of weeks — at least, that was the case for Mid-Missouri Legal Services, said Susan Lutton, executive director.

“We learned about it a year ago that there was a possibility it would happen. Of course, we never dreamed this amount of money would float through to us,” Lutton said.

Mid-Missouri Legal Services operates in an 11-county region. The corporation is “committed to achieving full access to justice in civil matters for central Missourians … who cannot afford to hire an attorney,” per its mission statement.

The agency received $10.2 million of the $125 million pool. 

“We are the smallest program in the state,” Lutton said.

The organization intends to be a good steward of the money, she said.