What We Stand For

Poverty perpetuates the cycle of incarceration. We provide funding for things that make a huge difference but aren’t within the budget of a public defense organization. At the most basic level, if you can’t get to the courthouse for your appearance because you can’t afford a bus pass, a warrant issues for your arrest. If you can’t pay the fees associated with your court-ordered drug and alcohol treatment, not only will you not get treatment, but you might go back to jail for violating the terms of your probation. We want to ensure that no person fails to meet their obligations and move forward in a productive way simply because they lack the most basic financial resources. See our stories for examples of how we have helped.

Poverty, homelessness, and mental illness are often at the root of a person’s involvement with the criminal justice system. Although the United States Constitution ensures that everyone has the benefit of an attorney, there are still disparities between the experiences of poor people charged with crimes and those with financial resources.


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