Black and White images of 5 PLA clients are interspersed with blocks of color in a checkerboard like collage

Centering Community & Collaboration: 2022 Annual Report

 

In 2022, PLA continued to work towards our vision by providing free civil legal aid to thousands of low-income Philadelphians, helping them navigate complex systemic obstacles and get the legal support they need.

 

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A map of Philadelphia by Zip Code showing clients served by PLA.

PLA's Impact

PLA's service area is focused on some of the most historically disenfranchised neighborhoods, with our clients having a median income of $1200 per month and 80% living below the poverty line. 

In 2022, PLA provided free legal assistance to 8,202 Philadelphians, including helping:
 

2,114 individuals with home ownership 1,276 parents with child custody 754 workers with unemployment compensation 174 individuals with food stamps 109 individuals with Medicaid 178 individuals with welfare 306 survivors of violence with protection from abuse 116 people with SSI assistance 2,465 people with a disability 1,571 seniors 343 veterans
PLA staff hand out information at the Jubilee For Justice

Our Units

PLA serves our clients holistically through seven specialized units. With a dedicated team of more than 80 attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff, we provide clients with a range of services.

A family that includes a mother, father, and two young daughters poses for a picture at the Jubilee for Justice

Jubilee for Justice

On June 17th, 2022, PLA welcomed clients, friends, supporters, employees, and community partners to our Jubilee for Justice at the Philadelphia Zoo for an evening of dancing, dining, and fun to celebrate our 25th anniversary.

Attorney Andria Bibiloni poses with client Melinda, they both are holding onto a photo of Melinda's beloved side yard

Building Community Equity Through Homeownership

The Consumer Housing Unit (CHU) centers community by helping low-income Philadelphians build wealth and equity by preserving their family homes and side yards in the face of gentrification and rapid development.

Four members of Just Philly sit on a panel

Creating a More Just Philly

In 2022, PLA launched our #JustPhilly initiative to create three opportunities for passionate community members to engage with PLA and help create a more just Philadelphia.

Rowhomes in philadelphia

Achieving Financial Stability

Many families rely on Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits to provide for their children and cover their monthly rent, utilities, and food expenses, and rely on these forms of income in their financial planning

Carlos is an man with a mustache wearing a baseball cap

Carlos' Story

After suffering a stroke and enduring triple bypass surgery, Carlos’ doctor referred him to the MLCP to get help applying for disability.

rowhomes in philadelphia

Board of Directors

2022 Financials

Philadelphia City Hall at night

Our friends at Independence Foundation Awarded PLA a $50k Challenge Grant

Thanks to your generosity, we achieved our goal and the Independence Foundation matched your donations dollar-for-dollar! We thank our generous donors for supporting this milestone with us.

 

We would not be where we are today without your support.
Thank you to all of our funders, donors, staff, volunteers, and community partners for supporting our critical efforts to meet the emerging needs of Philadelphia communities by providing creative and high-quality civil legal assistance.

Thank you for your continued support!

Read the full report