Meet Our People – A Board Member’s Story of Survival and Service
The first morning Jordan Landry woke up in a domestic violence shelter surrounded by the woods, she took a deep breath. She finally felt safe. That safety came after years of surviving severe abuse while living as a military spouse. Her abuser controlled everything—finances, technology, even tracking her location. But she didn't yet have words […]
Comment: Evictions Highlight Disparity in Rights of Homeowners vs. Renters
Someone who locks a homeowner out of their house and steals their property would be criminally charged. But when landlords illegally lock out tenants and dispose of their belongings, law enforcement typically dismisses it as a “civil dispute,” not a crime. That double standard makes a recent Island County jury verdict all the more remarkable. […]
Gun Surrender Victory for Survivors of Domestic Violence
When a domestic violence survivor Ilana Hernandez sought a protection order against her partner Michael in 2023, she detailed terrifying incidents where he displayed, used, and threatened her with firearms. A judge agreed she and her three children needed protection—but refused to order Michael to surrender his guns. This wasn't an isolated incident. That same […]
Native American Heritage Month Events Across WA
Happy Native American Heritage Month! This November, we're sharing a weekly series dedicated to honoring and celebrating the many contributions, traditions, and cultures of the original and enduring stewards of this land since time immemorial. For our first week, we've put together a list of events, galas, Pow wows, artist markets, and film screenings to attend across the state as a way to encourage learning and being in community with Indigenous communities.
October 13: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Today we honor the resilience, sovereignty, and vibrant cultures of Native peoples—the original and enduring stewards of these lands. At the heart of NJP's Native American Unit is support of tribal sovereignty and addressing the civil legal needs of low-income Native Americans, who face disproportionate barriers to legal services while navigating unique legal needs—from protecting […]
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Watering a Legal Desert in Omak – Rural Practice Day of Service Event Recap
Before entering the legal clinic, clients navigated past a swirl of neon blue lights, and dozens of slot machines, music echoing in the 12 Tribes Casino and Hotel in Omak, Washington. On September 12, Northwest Justice Project (NJP) and the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) hosted an inaugural Rural Practice Day of Service. Seven volunteer […]
Evicted from the Home I Owned
In 2018 my now ex-husband and I decided to rent-to-own a one-bedroom one-bathroom house in Electric City. I was working full time as a cashier at a gas station. We used his mother's inheritance to put down a large down payment and began making monthly payments. Then in 2020, I had two major strokes. I […]
NJP in the News: Some Washington judges aren’t ordering accused abusers to surrender guns. A new court ruling could change that.
InvestigateWest reports on the latest developments, interviewing Northwest Justice Project Managing Attorney Karla Carlisle and NJP attorney and Advocacy Counsel Mary Welch.
When your only shelter is towed, impounded, sold or scrapped
When a Skagit County resident's motorhome broke down, law enforcement had it towed to an impound lot. The operators denied him access to his ownership documents, which were locked inside his home.
Happy Birthday: Social Security turns 90!
On August 14, we celebrate the 90th anniversary of Social Security – along with two related birthdays: Medicare and Medicaid each turned 60 on July 30.