Homelessness

ABE’s annual grant program sends $300K to 12 innovative projects

Low-income clients overburdened by debt, transgender and nonbinary people who need help changing their names, and youths experiencing homelessness are among the groups supported this year by the American Bar Endowment’s Opportunity Grant Program.

Apr 26, 2023 11:50 AM CDT

8th Circuit upholds food-safety law in suit by pastor who gave bologna sandwiches to homeless people

A pastor and his assistant who were ticketed but not prosecuted for handing out bologna sandwiches to homeless people have lost their First Amendment lawsuit against the city of St. Louis.

Oct 19, 2022 9:05 AM CDT

During ABA Giving Day, members can support efforts advocating for democracy, equity and justice

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the ABA’s members, volunteers and donors have answered the call to help increase legal services and transform the justice system. The FJE hopes to build on that momentum with the 2022 ABA Giving Day.

Oct 18, 2022 11:10 AM CDT

Weekly Briefs: Judge tosses challenge to ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law; gun-makers win dismissal of Mexico suit

Challenge to Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law gets tossed A federal judge in Tallahassee, Florida, has tossed a challenge to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law, which critics have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law. In a Sept. 29 order, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor of the Northern District of…

Oct 7, 2022 3:30 PM CDT

Weekly Briefs: ABA supports marriage equality law; Stanford offers new model for legal ed loans

ABA president calls on Senate to support Respect for Marriage Act ABA President Deborah Enix-Ross is calling on members of the U.S. Senate to vote for the Respect for Marriage Act, which the U.S. House of Representatives passed with significant bipartisan support in July. In a letter sent to senators…

Sep 16, 2022 3:03 PM CDT

California governor backs mental health courts that could compel people into care

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is trying to fight homelessness with a proposal to create a mental health “CARE Court” in every county that could compel treatment for those with severe mental illness.

Mar 8, 2022 8:40 AM CST

10 guidelines to aid tenants and landlords in eviction crisis are adopted by the ABA House

The House of Delegates approved a measure adopting the ABA 10 Guidelines for Residential Eviction Laws at the ABA Midyear Meeting on Monday.

Feb 14, 2022 4:10 PM CST

Preventive action is needed to reduce youth homelessness

The ABA House of Delegates passed a resolution Monday urging governmental bodies to repurpose funding to support prevention approaches aimed at dramatically reducing the number of youth experiencing homelessness each year and enhancing their safety, permanency and well-being.

Feb 14, 2022 12:10 PM CST

Donations for ABA Giving Day more than double previous year’s total

This year’s ABA Giving Day has exceeded expectations, raising about $90,000 more than the association’s goal for the campaign.

Nov 22, 2021 12:05 PM CST

ABA Giving Day is an opportunity ‘to help ensure a just society,’ says ABA president

For the second year, the ABA is asking members to join in its efforts to address significant issues that affect their communities.

Oct 19, 2021 2:29 PM CDT

9th Circuit tosses judge’s order requiring LA to house homeless people in Skid Row

A federal appeals court has vacated a federal judge’s injunction requiring the county and city of Los Angeles to provide shelter to homeless people living in Skid Row, an area encompassing more than 50 blocks in the city’s downtown area.

Sep 27, 2021 9:05 AM CDT

House’s continuing resolution would give $40M in disaster aid to Legal Services Corp.

A continuing resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday would give $40 million in disaster aid to the Legal Services Corp. to support legal aid groups helping low-income Americans affected by extreme weather events.

Sep 23, 2021 12:51 PM CDT

Limit on food distribution to homeless people in parks violates First Amendment, 11th Circuit rules

A federal appeals court on Tuesday sided with a nonprofit organization that provides free food to homeless people in a park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, finding that a city rule that limits the practice is unconstitutional.

Sep 3, 2021 10:16 AM CDT

To increase veterans’ access to legal aid, providers should work with VA, break down ‘silos,’ new report says

Legal aid providers should expand collaboration with programs of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help provide comprehensive services for veterans, according to a task force report released Tuesday.

May 26, 2021 10:15 AM CDT

Ex-prosecutor gives up law license after he’s accused of withholding evidence that led to wrongful convictions

Former Dallas County, Texas, prosecutor Richard E. “Rick” Jackson agreed to give up his law license last month to avoid discipline for allegedly withholding evidence that led to the wrongful convictions of two homeless men.

May 18, 2021 11:43 AM CDT