News & Stories

News & Stories

Justice starts with one person. Read the stories and voices of NJP’s clients along with updates to our legal advocacy challenging unjust practices.

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Opinion: If funds for legal aid in WA are cut, victims pay the price

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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

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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.”

Eviction Prevention Cuts Would Only Drive More Costs for WA

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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

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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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Where you can find us

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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

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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 […]

A Message from Abby Daquiz, Executive Director

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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 […]