In the News
The Collection of Attorney Fees in Eviction Cases Has Sharply Increased in Virginia
A new report from Virginia Poverty Law Center and VCU’s Eviction Lab shows how attorney fees are worsening Virginia’s eviction crisis — with courts awarding nearly $20 million in fees last year alone. Michael Pope reports.
Proposal Would Make Virginia Utility Disconnection Data Public
VPLC’s Dana Wiggins told lawmakers the numbers only tell part of the story—many families skip food or medicine to keep the lights on, a “silent problem” hidden behind the statistics.
Central Virginia House Candidates Debate Housing and Affordability at VPLC Forum
House of Delegates candidates discussed housing, rent protections, and energy affordability at a VPLC public forum. With rising costs and limited affordable housing across the state, candidates shared ideas for keeping families stably housed and curbing displacement.
A Warming Climate in Hampton Roads Means Longer, Hotter Summers—and Higher Energy Bills
Data from VPLC show that lower-income ZIP codes in Norfolk and Portsmouth shoulder the heaviest electricity burdens, while extreme-heat days and pending rate hikes threaten to push bills even higher.
Flex Drivers Win Unemployment Insurance Benefits
In Virginia, Amazon delivery drivers won the right to unemployment insurance by challenging Amazon all the way up to the Supreme Court– with support from VPLC. This article from the National Employment Law Project says more.
VPLC Launches Online Tools to Help Virginians Facing Eviction
Virginia Poverty Law Center’s new Eviction Defense Center, www.fightmyeviction.org, gives renters step-by-step guidance to understand court papers, prepare defenses, and navigate Virginia’s fast-moving eviction process.
