National Housing and Community Development Law Project

The principal programs of the Organization are: Policy Analysis and AdvocacyPolicy advocacy is a core component of NHLPs work. NHLP policy advocacy efforts include monitoring proposed and existing policies and programs at the federal, state and local levels and preparing and disseminating analyses of proposed policies. The Organization makes direct presentations to legislative and administrative bodies and also helps advocates in appearances before these bodies.Policymakers at all levels of government often request NHLPs assistance in evaluating the impact of proposals and programs on the poor. Additionally, NHLP provides policymakers with strategies to more effectively respond to the housing challenges of low income households, people of color, immigrants, domestic violence survivors and people with criminal records.Co-counsel and Other Litigation AssistanceOn select cases that bear a potentially high impact in the development of housing law or affect large numbers of low-income households, NHLP participates in litigation with local attorneys as co-counsel, amicus curiae, or in an advisory capacity.PublicationsNHLP provides an array of publications and resources for housing advocates. NHLP is author of HUD Housing Programs: Tenants Rights, a comprehensive legal manual on the rights of residents of federally assisted housing programs, and numerous field manuals that educate legal advocates on the laws governing housing issues that affect poor people and special needs groups and which provide practical client representation strategies. NHLP distributes a monthly newsletter updating its working partners, supporters, and others in the field on innovative ideas and new developments in the low-income housing sector, including new cases, legislation and agency activities. In addition, NHLP periodically releases fact sheets and analyses of emerging issues within its initiative areas.Housing Justice NetworkNHLP sponsors the Housing Justice Network (HJN), an informal network of more than 1,000 experienced housing advocates concerned with advancing housing justice for poor people. HJN members participate in peer learning through list servers and working groups, and collaborate on policy advocacy.Assistance to California Legal Services Programs and AttorneysNHLP receives funding from The State Bar of California under the IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts) and Equal Access Fund programs to serve as a statewide support center to Californias legal services programs and attorneys. As a support center, the Organization provides training, technical assistance, and litigation and advocacy support on issues related to the federal housing programs. Under the Equal Access Fund program, the Organization assists legal services programs in issues related to increasing housing access and opportunity for its client population throughout the state.Technical Assistance for Department of Justice GranteesNHLP provides training and technical assistance to grantees of the U.S. Department of Justices Office of Violence Against Women programs (OVW). Current work focuses on the Violence Against Women Act, other housing rights of survivors of domestic violence, and nuisance ordinances as they affect OVWs service population.