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

Latest News

May 31, 2023

Western Center Roundup – May 2023

May 31, 2023, By LA Sentinel

Smallwood-Cuevas Joins Grocery and Pharmacy Workers to Stop Job & Wage Cuts

May 31, 2023, By D Magazine

After Years of Advocacy in Dallas and Around Texas, the CROWN Act Becomes Law

May 31, 2023, By CalMatters, Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

California bill aims to rein in high security deposits

Blog

May 10, 2023May 11, 2023, By Abraham Zavala-Rodriguez, WCLP Outreach & Advocacy Associate

BLOG: We Can End Food Insecurity: CalFresh Awareness Month

April 28, 2023April 28, 2023, By Abraham Zavala-Rodriguez, WCLP Outreach & Advocacy Associate

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

March 29, 2023, By Abraham Zavala-Rodriguez, WCLP Outreach & Advocacy Associate

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

February 14, 2023February 14, 2023, By Helen Tran, Senior Attorney and Richard Rothschild, Director of Litigation

BLOG: Why We Sued to End CARE Court

Western Center's Work Benefits Millions of Californians

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

Support Our Fight Against Poverty

We know our work is not done until health care and housing are affordable, food is secure, and systemic racism is addressed. With your support, we will continue working to build a more just California in 2023 and beyond.

Donate Now

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