Arch City Defenders
Arch City Defenders is a holistic legal advocacy organization that provides a range of services including legal representation, social services, and policy advocacy to address the criminalization of poverty and state violence, focusing on communities of color.
Services
Arch City Defenders provides holistic legal advocacy to combat the criminalization of poverty and state violence, with a particular focus on communities of color. Their services include both civil and criminal legal representation. The organization also offers extensive social services, fostering a comprehensive approach to legal aid. Additionally, Arch City Defenders engages in impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community collaboration to advance systemic change.
Systemic Civil Rights Litigation
Arch City Defenders is actively engaged in systemic civil rights litigation. Their efforts address critical issues such as debtors' prisons, police misconduct, cash bail, and jail conditions. To date, they have filed 53 civil rights lawsuits focusing on these issues and other misconducts. Through these actions, Arch City Defenders seeks to redress and mitigate the systemic biases and injustices present in the legal system.
Social Services Program
The Social Services Program at Arch City Defenders provides essential support to vulnerable populations. Since August 2018, the organization has housed 161 people or 36 families, demonstrating its commitment to practical aid. The program offers housing support, assistance in accessing identification, public benefits support, and transportation assistance. This comprehensive support network aims to stabilize and empower individuals facing socioeconomic challenges.
Internship Opportunities
Arch City Defenders hosts the Wendy Werner Internship Program, which provides valuable opportunities for students in law, social work, and other disciplines. This program is designed to immerse future professionals in the practical aspects of legal advocacy and social service. Interns gain hands-on experience while contributing to the organization's holistic approach to addressing the criminalization of poverty and state violence.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Arch City Defenders has formed over 50 partnerships with local and national groups to raise awareness and advance systemic policy change. These collaborations are crucial in their efforts to effectuate broader societal transformations. Through these strategic alliances, the organization amplifies its impact, advocating for systemic change at multiple levels and fostering a community-oriented approach to social justice.