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CommentsFounded in 1986, the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless has protected the rights of homeless and low-income people since its inception. However, the movement to give support to the homeless citizens of Washington DC started in 1984 when DC voters proclaimed their support for the enactment of Initiative 17, establishing a “right to shelter” in the District, which is also the first statutory right to shelter in the nation.
In 1985, pro bono lawyers led by DC attorney David Crosland convened the Ad Hoc Committee for the Homeless with the sponsorship of the DC Bar and from there the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (WLCH) was born.
WLCH’s primary goal is to end the suffering caused by poverty and to champion the rights of the homeless and those who are in danger of losing their homes in the DC area by providing attorneys to represent these people. Aside from the no-cost representation, WLCH attorneys also provide assistance and legal services in other areas.
WLCH over the years has provided free legal representation for the homeless and the near homeless in the following areas:
• applications for public assistance and subsidized housing
• credit and other consumer matters
• wrongful evictions and shelter terminations
• discrimination, probate, health and mental health
• family law cases
• impounded property
• veterans benefits
Two hundred law practitioners and paralegals, all of whom are dedicated to the organization’s cause to end homelessness man WLCH.
While legal services may be expensive, WLCH has been able to continue their operations due to the nonstop influx of donations and support by people and companies who believe in WLCH’s cause.
Additional information about the WLCH:
The history of the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless.
The WLCH keeps the door open to legal services for the homeless.
Former Deputy Attorney General Jamie Gorelick serves on the board of the WLCH.
Post Author: guest