The need is everywhere. That’s why we’re here.
Our community needs a champion to ensure equal access to justice for ALL during these challenging times. Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy and Legal Aid of North Carolina-Charlotte are here to help anyone facing issues of safety, financial security and family stability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
[ The Justice Gap & COVID-19 ]
1 in 3 Mecklenburg County residents is low-income.
71% of these residents experienced at least one civil legal problem last year.
Only 14%received legal help for their problem.
Between Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy and Legal Aid of NC, there is ONE legal aid attorney for every 11,500 low-income residents in need.
The pandemic has only worsened these issues.
People of color and low-income families bear the brunt of COVID-19 and its effects. Poverty and systemic discrimination make them more likely to contract and become ill from the virus, and less likely to receive public aid to recover from its financial effects. Over 16% of NC renters said they have “no confidence” they will be able to pay next month’s rent. One million people in NC are applying for unemployment insurance benefits.
More than ever, access to safety, security and stability is critical for everyone in our community. That includes access to healthcare without fear of financial ruin, secure housing, paid sick leave, adequate unemployment insurance and support for basic needs.
Learn more about the justice gap in Charlotte and what were are doing to address it in our “Bridging the Gap” report!
We are here to help in times of crisis, whether it be personal or global. Can you help us?
Anyone experiencing issues with meeting their basic needs can contact us for assistance.
We hope you will join us by supporting the Access to Justice Campaign benefiting Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy and Legal Aid of North Carolina-Charlotte. We’re all in this together, and together we can build a stronger, more just community for ALL.
Your gift ensures that ALL people in our community have access to the legal assistance and critical resources they need to not only make ends meet but also thrive. Donate here.
Your support of civil legal aid changes lives, particularly in this moment.
“I cried. I’ve heard ‘no’ so much because of my record that it finally feels good to be able to say sooner or later I’m going to hear a ‘yes’ and not because of a piece of paper or a time that I did in jail defining me. Because that’s not the person that I am anymore.” -Javourya, an expunction client with The Advocacy Center.
Learn more about her story and how criminal record expunctions are vital to economic opportunity and racial justice by watching our Facebook Live.
Thank you to everyone who has helped us meet our $500,000 goal! For those who still haven’t donated, you still can support this year’s Access to Justice Campaign! Click below!
Join us in creating a more just and equitable society in which all know stability even during uncertain times.
Special Thanks to our Access to Justice Champions!
2020 Access to Justice Campaign Cabinet
Chris Lam, Chair
- Ben Pleune, Alston and Bird
- Cameron Caudle, Caudle & Spears
- Jason Evans, Troutman Pepper
- John Grupp, Husqvarna
- Keith Smith, Moore & Van Allen
- Lani Quarmby, Bank of America
- Marc E. Gustafson, Bell Davis Pitt
- Mark Merritt, Robinson Bradshaw
- Rhonda Patterson, Patterson Law Office
- Shantia Coley, Wells Fargo
- Carter Arey, McGuireWoods
- Lauren Lewis, Essex Richards