Description: The Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) is a Richmond-based nonprofit that uses legal advocacy, policy analysis, training, and public education to protect the rights and improve the economic security of low-income Virginians. VPLC assists civil legal aid programs, develops policy positions on access to health care, public benefits, housing, and related anti-poverty issues, and advocates for systemic reforms to reduce poverty and defend civil justice access. Type: Non-profit legal advocacy organization Policies: Advocacy and policy work on public benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF), access to health care, housing stability and homelessness prevention, civil legal aid funding and access to counsel, consumer protections, disability rights, criminal justice-related civil legal issues, and state-level legislation that affects low-income residents. Funding: Primarily supported by foundation grants, philanthropic contributions and individual donations, government and foundation grants for programs and training, fees for training and technical assistance, and pro bono partnerships with law firms and legal clinics. Affiliates: Works closely with Virginia legal aid programs and coalitions such as local legal services organizations and statewide advocacy coalitions, pro bono law firms, the Legal Services Corporation and national civil legal aid networks.
