Access to Justice Initiative Funding Restored

The District of Columbia’s FY26 budget year has been especially challenging, with the Access to Justice Initiative facing a 67% budget cut. For the past 14 years, the Initiative has provided residents with low-income access to civil legal aid services related to housing, employment, public benefits, and so much more.

In the first of two votes on the FY26 budget, the DC Council, on Monday, July 14, voted to restore Access to Justice Initiative funding to FY25 levels, which is a positive first step. Just before the vote, Chairman Mendelson said, “The Access to Justice Initiative goes a long way toward helping people in poverty who are being denied benefits, such as federal benefits that they are entitled to. It also helps low-income people who are facing eviction in court and do not need to be evicted. It provides a substantial amount of protection to low-income and indigent individuals and families, who otherwise would suffer much, much more. The ability to have access to a lawyer can make a big difference, and that’s what this program is about. Council members have all been very supportive of [the Initiative].”

The Foundation is deeply grateful to Chairman Mendelson and the Council for their support of the Initiative.

As we approach the second vote on July 28, I want to thank the community of advocates who have championed the Initiative, some of their testimonials can be seen here. My greatest hope is that my next letter to you will be one of full celebration, where I have the chance to tell you more about the incredible work that will continue with all funding restored to the Access to Justice Initiative.