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Photo by Regina Zamarripa via Las Fotos Project.

Fighting To End 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.

More About Western Center

Latest News

April 14, 2021

Which state is doing more for undocumented residents in COVID era? California or New York?

April 7, 2021, By Steven Summers - plaintiff in Hall v. USDA

Our fight for emergency food benefits was worth it, for me and every Californian who needs it.

April 7, 2021April 9, 2021

Immigrants celebrate withdrawal of mixed status rule to receive public housing

April 6, 2021April 9, 2021

California Eviction Defense Program for Vulnerable Renters Bill Passes in Committee

Blog

April 7, 2021, By Steven Summers - plaintiff in Hall v. USDA

BLOG: Our fight for emergency food benefits was worth it, for me and every Californian who needs it.

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

BLOG: Spring 2021 Federal and California COVID-19 Relief Actions

March 1, 2021April 2, 2021, By Courtney McKinney, Western Center Director of Communications, and Kevin Wu, Free Britney activist

BLOG: If you think what’s happening to Britney Spears is bad, you should know more about conservatorship in California

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021, By Tina Rosales - Western Center policy advocate

BLOG: U.S. and California History Directly Impacts Housing Instability during COVID-19

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

Western Center could not do any of the work we do without the generosity of our donors. Your support will help us fight against poverty and provide justice for ALL Californians.

Donate Now

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Our collective experience of 2020, in California and beyond, likely changed us forever. The drumbeat for racial and economic justice continues to expand, and work from 2020 is beginning to form a foundation for a stronger society — with stronger safety nets, better access to health care, a greater emphasis on housing as a human right, and steady demands for true economic and racial equity.

To recap Western Center’s 2020, we invite you to take a look at our 2020 Annual Report, featuring art from Kelly Malka and Miki Turner, two incredibly talented women whose art brings our work from 2020 to life.

Download Report