Access to Counsel Continues
The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara will continue its innovative Access to Counsel pilot program with the City of Santa Barbara for a second year.
The program provides a free attorney in at least 80 matters per year to low-income residents and families who are at risk of eviction. The goals of the program are to prevent housing instability and homelessness, to ensure fair outcomes in court, and to ensure that city policies regarding housing are being enforced.
Nationwide, fewer than 5% of tenants in eviction cases are represented by an attorney, compared to more than 80% of landlords, the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel estimates (Cal Matters). Learn more about the Foundation here.
Legal Aid Foundation
Donate now!www.lafsbc.org
(805) 963-6754 x103
Executive Director: Jennifer Smith
Mission
To provide high-quality civil legal services to low-income and other vulnerable residents in order to ensure equal access to justice. They change lives through direct representation, legal advice and information, and community education. Since 1959, Legal Aid has provided legal services to those most in need in Santa Barbara County.
Begin to Build a Relationship
We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s director of development and/or Executive Director.
I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the important work our attorneys and staff do every day to help our community. I am proud to support LAFSBC because everyone deserves a fair opportunity to understand and protect their rights. I am honored to support this important work.
Restoring Agency for Abuse Victims
Legal Aid relies heavily on contributions from the community to provide representation for seniors and other victims of abuse or sexual harassment as well as other vulnerable low-income residents who need their services most. Ways to help include:
• $200 Covers the costs of office supplies and other law office costs.
• $500 Covers the annual State Bar license fee for a LAFSBC attorney.
• $3,000 Protects a family in a restraining order case.
• $5,000 Secures legal representation in a complex legal case arising from abuse.
Key Supporters
Crystal Forsher, Board President
Cristal Rodriguez, Board Vice President
Claire Mitchell, Board Secretary
Susan Thompson, Board Treasurer
Jena Shoaf Acos
Alan & Carol Blakeboro
Saji Dias Gunawardane
Wendy Kosche
Alexander Lach
Michael LeCover
Julianna Malis
Benjamin Markham
Alexander Saunders
Garry Tetalman
The State Bar of California
The Santa Barbara Foundation
U.S. Department of Justice,
Office of Violence Against Women