Commission on Homelessness & Poverty

    The Commission is committed to educating the bar and the public about homelessness and poverty and how the legal community and advocates can assist those in need.

    COVID-19 Resources

    Policy and guidance, ABA policy and programming, and more resources for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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    Combatting Poverty and Decriminalizing Homelessness Through A Race Equity Lens

    The Commission on Homelessness and Poverty's resource clearinghouse.

    Learn More - Here

    Racial Equity in the Justice System

    The ABA's central clearinghouse of ABA-related information and resources for attorneys, the legal profession and the public on a wealth of issues addressing bias, racism and prejudice in the justice system and society.

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    2020 ABA Annual Meeting (Virtual)

    Convening for Justice | July 29 - August 4, 2020

    We invite you to join us for the Virtual Annual Meeting. Registration is complimentary for members and $95 for non-members.

    Register - Here

    ABA Annual Meeting Showcase Program (7/29)

    What Will the Next 100 Years Hold for Access to Justice? The Future of Civil Legal Aid and Public Defense in America

    Click the arrow to learn more about the Showcase Program, and click the rectangle to register.

     Register - Here

    Allow the VA to Provide Legal Aid for Homeless Vets

    Ensure Homeless Veterans Have More Access to their Benefits

    Learn more and about how you can help.

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    New Edition Now Available!

    New Homeless Court Resource

    Homeless Court Best Practices One Pager

    What is a Homeless Court? What isn't a Homeless Court? Myth vs. fact: learn more about Homeless Court Best Practices.

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    'Defending Liberty, Pursuing Justice' Summit

    Plenary ft. Austin, TX Mayor Steve Adler

    Thank you for joining us at the 2020 Midyear Meeting in Austin, Texas! Click the 'play' button to view the Commission-sponsored Plenary program.

    News Spotlight

    Homeless Courts: Recognizing Progress and Resolving Legal Issues that Often Accompany Homelessness

    The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness has spotlighted our Homeless Court work on their blog (July 9).

    View - Here

    About Us

    Learn more about the Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, housed within the ABA Center for Public Interest Law.

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    Homeless Youth Legal Network

    Provides information and fosters collaboration to help attorneys and other advocates address existing gaps in legal services, and improve outcomes for homeless youth and young adults—including those transitioning from the child welfare system and exiting the juvenile justice system. Focuses include civil legal matters, juvenile and criminal defense, and policy/systems change efforts for minors as well as young adults through at least age 25.

    Learn More On Our - Initiatives Page

    Join Us

    We welcome you to join us. Lawyers working in government or legal/public service not-for-profit organizations engaged primarily in legal- or policy-based advocacy for low income persons qualify for reduced dues as members of the American Bar Association.

    Public Interest - Membership

    Support the Commission's Work

    Your gift will educate the bar and the public about homelessness and poverty and the ways in which the legal community and advocates can assist those in need. Make your charitable gift to the ABA Commission on Homelessness & Poverty online today!

    Make Your Gift - Donate