mother signed contract with city for house demolition and rebuilding, but nothing was ever done...now she's homeless

mother applied with the city she resided in for demolition and rebuilding of her home, based on her low income status. she was told in april of last year to move out and take what she did not want destroyed...house was supposed to be rebuild by last september. nothing was ever done, and now the city wants to demolish the house because it is a 'hazard'. she got a lawyer who has not done anything since august of last year, and is now telling her to go to legal aid for her case to be resolved. the house was never demolished, is in extremely poor conditions due to squatters and thieves, but not by her choice. she confided in the city to come through with the contract...we are desperate and do not know what to do. they cannot do this to her! that house has been hers for over 30 years and she feels lied to and deceived....please help!