New Laws Open Doors to Housing Justice for Tenants
Washington State has seen significant legal changes that benefit many NJP clients as they combat housing injustice. On July 23rd, two new bills go into effect. They provide access to virtual hearings in eviction cases and modify post-tenancy damage deposit disputes in Washington.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Critical Rights of Native American Children and Tribes
In a huge victory for Native American children, families and tribes, on June 15, 2023, the United States Supreme Court upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in its Brackeen v. Haaland decision.
NJP in the News: In Eastern Washington, victims seeking protection steer clear of a judge accused of domestic violence himself
NJP helps five women farmworkers win $265k lawsuit against Washington fruit packer
"Five farmworkers have settled a lawsuit that alleged a Wapato fruit packing company interfered with worker organization efforts and wrongfully fired employees."
Ginger: Cancer patient wins federal case against HOA for disability accommodation
"When my husband and I moved into a new condo in 2020, we had no idea what challenges we would soon face. We were familiar with the Everett area, had raised kids there, and loved to take drives around the county. We were settling into our new home when a breast cancer diagnosis flipped our world upside down. Already amid a global pandemic, it was hard to imagine facing any more challenges."
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Legal Reform Clears the Way to Protection
The last thing a person seeking a court-issued Protection Order (PO) wants to deal with is a morass of confusing paperwork. Yet, before July of this year, that is exactly what they would get. The Washington State legal system had five distinct kinds of protection orders depending on the type of harm and relationship to the abuser. There were different orders for domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and vulnerable adults being abused or neglected.
Roberta: Navigates homelessness to find secure housing with her service animals
"I was born and raised in Puyallup. I have my own kids. I’ve been disabled since I was really young. I’ve contacted CLEAR several times, this last time because I was homeless."
NJP attorney helps Vancouver woman keep her mobile home; community mobilizes to lend support
Danny: Veteran exposes landlord fraud in federal housing program, wins settlement
Landlords don’t always follow the rules. In February 2021, Danny, a participant in a federal rental assistance program for veterans, blew the whistle on his landlord who was overcharging him on the rent and fraudulently obtaining federal funds.
Kalaya: Domestic Violence survivor overcomes bias, lies; wins child custody
"My purpose now is to help as many women as I can to recognize the signs of abuse. To leave sooner rather than later. It’s never too late to leave."