Commission on Homelessness & Poverty
The ABA Commission on Homelessness & Poverty (CHP) develops public policy and implements best practices for our network of community-based partners who work tirelessly to counter the injustices of poverty and homelessness.
The Commission’s Homeless Court Program removes legal
barriers preventing access to housing, employment, education, and more for individuals
connected with social and health services. CHP collaborates with local partners
to establish Homeless Court Programs across the United States. Your donation
will allow us to continue to provide critical technical assistance and training
to communities combatting homelessness, ultimately working to end the cycle of
poverty and giving hope to those who need it most.
Your Gift Matters
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court case City of Grants Pass, OR v. Johnson, communities are struggling to find solutions to ending homelessness, and data shows that criminalization is not the answer. A criminal record, outstanding warrants, tickets, fines, and fees can act as a hard stop for an individual trying to apply for a job, rent an apartment, drive a car, and more.
Through the Homeless Court Program, CHP has served many thousands of individuals and continues to ensure they have access to justice – removing barriers and connecting people with the housing and services they need.
Our Impact
People experiencing homelessness face numerous barriers to finding homes; many of these barriers result from criminal records – fines, convictions, and bench warrants – that can keep them from being eligible for housing assistance and other aid programs. CHP has worked for decades to educate and engage with the criminal justice system and cross-systems to identify solutions, decriminalize poverty, and remove legal barriers to housing, benefits, employment, treatment, and education for those experiencing homelessness. Help end the cycle of poverty and homelessness and make your donation today. To continue this work, the Commission relies on generous donations like yours.
Learn more about our impact at ambar.org/homelesscourt
Watch the Commission's video about the Homeless Court Model: