Opinion: If funds for legal aid in WA are cut, victims pay the price
By Mary Welch, Annalise Martucci and Riddhi Mukhopadhyay
This Opinion was first published in The Seattle Times
It happens nearly every day across Washington: A spouse or partner is attacked, then in seeking protection, is left with a growing list of unanswered questions. What will be needed for court? How can they keep their kids safe? Can they break their lease? At $300 an hour, a lawyer is unaffordable. Should they just return to the abuser?
This is one of thousands of experiences for survivors across the state. For many, the most urgent need is free legal advice and representation. Low-income victims of crime rely on civil legal aid to secure safety, stability and a path forward. Whether this will continue to be available is a question before the Legislature. Lawmakers must decide whether to fund $21.38 million to maintain basic Crime Victim Services or slash funding by half.
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OPINION: WA long-term care residents should have the same rights as renters
In his opinion piece, Scott Wilson, a 66-year-old assisted living resident in Yakima, Washington, describes himself as “a fighter” – and he’s had to be. Facing two eviction attempts from his facility, Wilson turned to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and attorneys at the Northwest Justice Project, who provided legal counsel to help him navigate the appeal process.
He won both times. But he knows most residents aren’t so fortunate, noting that “many of us don’t have family or friends to help us learn about our rights and navigate the burden of appealing.” Wilson has joined the Long-Term Care Ombuds and NJP in suing the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to strengthen eviction rules for residents in long-term care, urging that “the state can do better to support older adults who are facing eviction and homelessness.”
2026 Black History Month Events
Celebrate Black History Month with events across the state!
Eviction Prevention Cuts Would Only Drive More Costs for WA
A planned $3 million cut to Washington State's Eviction Prevention Program would deny 2,000 tenants the right to an attorney in eviction court — and would be felt across communities and elsewhere in the state budget. It's a decision now before the WA State Legislature.
Read the commentary in the Washington State Standard by Abigail Daquiz, Executive Director of Northwest Justice Project, and Sandra Miller, Executive Director of Sound Legal Aid: https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/30/eviction-prevention-cuts-will-only-drive-more-costs-for-wa/
“Are property owners breaking the law?” Tenants asked and CLEAR answered
Residents in a Manufactured Home Park fought an illegal rent increase, learning about the law, and engaging the help of an NJP CLEAR attorney and the Washington Attorney General’s Office. A key part of Northwest Justice Project is our CLEAR team — lawyers who connect with people over the phone to provide legal advice and […]
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NJP in the News: Farmworker Victory in Yakima Valley
In a case first flagged by NJP’s Farmworker Unit, dozens of Washington farmworkers will benefit from a settlement with the Toppenish-based hops and apple producer Cornerstone Ranches. The company had unjustly fired or forced out local farmworkers, replacing them the next day with temporary foreign workers.
Where you can find us
From every corner of Washington, Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is there to help individuals get the legal help they need. Our 20 offices across the state serve local communities, both urban and rural. But they are just one part of NJP’s support network. We reach people wherever we can. Here’s how we do it: On […]
How Julie Sued Her Landlord – and Won
When Julie Heston was in danger of falling behind on bills after shoulder surgery during the Covid pandemic in 2021, she was able to obtain four months rental assistance through the Community Action Center (CAC) in Pullman. Her landlord, Ed Christensen, was irate. He made clear that he had no intention of participating in any […]
Native American Heritage Month Reading List
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a curated list of recommended poetry, books, and podcasts from NJP's Native American Unit!
A Stranger Tried to Steal Sheridan Skelly’s Home. NJP Fought Back—and Uncovered a $28 Million Scheme
NJP’s Foreclosure Prevention Unit uncovered a scheme in which co-conspirators used legal loopholes to take control of about 200 estates of deceased strangers, selling at least 90 inherited homes worth over $28 million. NJP tracked suspicious probate filings and brought its findings to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, which sued.