About Homeless Courts
View the one pager and learn more about homeless courts and the collaborative process.
Homeless Courts
San Diego Homeless Court Program
Learn About the San Diego Homeless Court
Since the start of the first Homeless Court in San Diego in 1988, the program has been a model for the nation and out-of-state visitors come to observe on a regular basis. Please email [email protected] to learn more about visiting to observe and other technical assistance for replication in your community.
ABA/JCC Homeless Court Program Technical Assistance Program - Orange County Spotlight
Orange County Homeless Court Initiative
This video is intended for California courts interested in establishing or enhancing the homeless court model in their jurisdiction to help address the needs of individuals, families, and youth involved in the court system, based upon Orange County's experience. It highlights the ABA's resources to establish homeless courts, including personalized technical assistance.
ABA Impact Report - Commission on Homelessness and Poverty
Through the Homeless Court Initiative, the Commission has served many thousands of individuals and continues to do so to ensure access to justice, remove barriers, and connect individuals with the housing and services they need.
Expanding and Enhancing the Homeless Court Model in California
The ABA, in collaboration with the Judicial Council of California's Center for Families, Children & the Courts, is working to replicate the homeless court model across California to help address the needs of families and youth interacting with the court system. The two-phase project will first educate communities on homeless courts to help foster an understanding of their work, methods, and practices. The second phase of the project will provide personalized technical assistance to help develop new programs, or improve and expand existing programs.
Homeless Court Directory
Homeless Courts are presently operating in the jurisdictions at the link. Many other jurisdictions are examining the possibility of creating similar programs, and the Commission is pleased to offer technical support. For more information, please contact Kelly Russo at the ABA Washington Office at 202/662-1699 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Mr. W.'s Success Story
"Mr. W, age 56, lived in a tent in Charleston, SC, making a living by panhandling. As Charleston tightened anti-panhandling laws, Mr. W received a series of citations. Mr. W. also had no ID and suffered from multiple medical issues. He was referred to One80 Place Legal Services for possible admission into Homeless Court. If Mr. W. agreed to receive help in finding housing and getting medical treatment, obtaining the necessary ID, and applying for Social Security disability, in recognition of his efforts to end his homelessness his citations would be dismissed through Homeless Court. Over time he achieved these goals and presented the information to the judge. The judge congratulated Mr. W on his efforts and led a round of applause--now Mr. W. lives in a furnished apartment and no longer receives citations for sitting on the sidewalk."
Homeless Court Resources
View guides, policy, and more on homeless courts.
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.
Donate Today
Your charitable gift supports a network of existing and forthcoming homeless courts and breaks down legal barriers for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and poverty.