Fighting Poverty In California

OUR MISSION

Through the lens of economic and racial justice, Western Center on Law & Poverty fights in courts, cities, counties, and in the Capitol to secure housing, health care, and a strong safety net for Californians with low incomes.

Many systems keep people in poverty – from institutionalized racism to unjust and unequal economic structures. We address those factors in every aspect of our work, and call out the ways they oppress people experiencing poverty.

OUR VISION

End systemic racism. End poverty. Ensure justice for all. Everyone thrives.

OUR NORTH STAR

Western Center on Law & Poverty seeks to eliminate poverty and advance racial and economic justice by dismantling and transforming systems so all communities in California can thrive.

More About Western Center

Blog

, By Abraham Zavala-Rodriguez, WCLP Outreach & Advocacy Associate

BLOG: We Can End Food Insecurity: CalFresh Awareness Month

, By Abraham Zavala-Rodriguez, WCLP Outreach & Advocacy Associate

BLOG: CalKids College Savings Account: a first step in building generational wealth

, By Abraham Zavala-Rodriguez, WCLP Outreach & Advocacy Associate

BLOG: The CalFresh Hunger Games: Free falling into food insecurity with no rescue in sight.

, By Helen Tran, Senior Attorney and Richard Rothschild, Director of Litigation

BLOG: Why We Sued to End CARE Court
More Blog Posts »

Western Center's Work Benefits Millions of Californians

CA
6,000,000Working adults benefitted from a minimum wage increase to $15/hr
4,000,000Adults protected from unfair and unpayable traffic fines and fees
400,000Homeless, migrant and foster children received priority access and fee waivers for afterschool programs
170,000Undocumented children became eligible for health care coverage

2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Our 2022 annual report outlines the work we do in partnership with our movement allies, legal aid service providers, coalitions, pro bono partners, funders, policy makers, and community members to advance racial and economic justice. Framed by the beautiful art of Kayla Salisbury and photography by Las Fotos Project, we tell the story of 2022 litigation, advocacy, and movement wins – and how historic investments in safety net programs, tenant protections, and health care coverage expansions reduced rates of growing poverty in the face of COVID-19’s continued economic devastation.

Download Report