As the Former Attorney General of Maryland, I am honored to invite you to join me in supporting the Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP). Contributing to HPRP’s annual Within Our Reach Campaign is not merely an endorsement of a nonprofit; it signifies a shared commitment to our legal and humanitarian principles.

 

For over 35 years, HPRP has been a leading force in championing the rights and well-being of Marylanders experiencing homelessness. By providing crucial legal aid to our most vulnerable residents, HPRP not only safeguards individuals' basic rights but also confronts the systemic injustices perpetuating homelessness in our society.

 

Assisting unhoused individuals with legal issues presents unique challenges. There are logistical barriers like maintaining communication without regular access to a phone or computer, accessing services without identification, and making it to court hearings without transportation. Further, there is often uncertainty and distrust due to negative past experiences with legal systems.

 

HPRP’s attorneys and volunteers meet clients where they are, whether in courtrooms, shelters, or on the streets, breaking down barriers to access. Beyond providing immediate legal assistance, HPRP takes a holistic view of each client’s circumstances, addressing underlying challenges through connections to other trusted support services. From same-day representation to prevent an unlawful eviction to years-long advocacy to secure benefits for a veteran, HPRP stands alongside clients for however long it takes to achieve justice.

 

In fiscal year 2023 alone, HPRP made a tangible impact, closing 868 cases and taking on 457 new ones – preventing evictions, securing benefits, and saving significant costs for clients. They took on complex cases impacting several thousand more Marylanders, including addressing the theft of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, uncovering mishandling of subsidized housing programs, and rectifying violations of civil rights for families with disabilities in the Temporary Cash Assistance program. HPRP is continuing to monitor these issues and more in 2024.

 

Please make your contribution today and encourage others to join the cause. I am challenging our partners in the legal community and beyond to raise $150,000 by June 30th.

 

Your support for HPRP is an investment in both immediate aid for people experiencing homelessness and the pursuit of a more just society. Thank you for your partnership in this effort. Together, we can work towards a future where every Marylander has a safe place to call home.