Getting ICE out of the Courts
Have you seen ICE at the Courthouse? Have you been intimidated by ICE at the courthouse or witnessed someone being…
Read more
“Harnessing Technology” Conference Launches National Clean Slate Campaign
In 2018, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania signed the Clean Slate Act. With its signing, Pennsylvania became the first state
Oppose the Presidential Administration’s Proposal to Take Food Away from 755,000 People
The Presidential Administration’s proposal would take food away from 755,000 people, including 90,000 Pennsylvanians.
Clean Slate Record Clearing: A Policy Tailored for the Digital Age
Clearing a criminal record can change the course of a person’s life. Every year, one thousand low-income individuals come to…
Spring is Coming: Here’s How to Keep Your Utilities On
Each year, residential Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) and PECO customers are protected from utility shut offs by the winter moratorium.…
Get Ready, Get Set: PA Prepares for Clean Slate Implementation
In 2018, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania signed the Clean Slate Act. With its signing, Pennsylvania became the first state
Philadelphia Shows Steady Progress Collecting Property Taxes While Also Helping Homeowners
Philadelphia’s tax one-year non-collection rate hit a low of 3.9% in 2017, according to a report out in February from…
Saving Your Home and Water Service Through TAP
A recent Pew Charitable Trusts article highlighted a growing problem across the country – overdue water bills causing the loss of a…
Youth Justice: Ensuring Vulnerable Youth Successfully Transition Into Adulthood and out of Poverty
Billie Washington was struggling to make ends meet. A former home care attendant, she was no longer able to work…
Youth Justice Project
The Youth Justice Project can connect young people ages 16-24 to free legal help at Community Legal Services and Philadelphia…
Clean Slate: Changing Lives by Sealing Criminal Records
In 2018, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania signed the Clean Slate Act. With its signing, Pennsylvania became the first state
CLS BLOG: Automated Sealing in Action
Mr. Amos has a criminal record. Even though the charges against him were dismissed, they still remained on his record…
CLS Files Lawsuit Challenging Unconstitutional General Assistance Cuts
This afternoon, Community Legal Services (CLS) and Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of almost 12,000 low-income…
Family Advocacy: How Holistic Family Defense Helps Children Thrive
The conversation about child welfare is changing, both locally and nationally. While over 440,000 children are in foster care on any given…
Report: Mending the Safety Net – Why Pennsylvania Must Restore Its TANF Program to Protect Its Neediest Families
Today we observe the passage of “welfare reform” on August 22, 1996, which “ended welfare as we know it” and…
SSI: How to Appeal and How to Apply (in 11 languages)
Learn how to apply for SSI and appeal if your application is denied. In 11 languages. English Should I Apply…
