Work Areas
Every day, low-income Virginians are dealing with barriers to accessing stable and affordable housing, food, and healthcare.
At VPLC, we’re working to change the policies and practices that keep many low-income Virginians locked in the cycle of poverty. Our four key focus areas—housing, healthcare and public benefits, consumer protection, and family advocacy—address the immediate needs of communities while pursuing long-term solutions.
Ensuring Access to Safe and Affordable Housing
Too many Virginians face illegal or unjust evictions, poor living conditions, and housing policies that leave them behind. We advocate for stronger tenant protections, fight for affordable housing policies, and support efforts to make home ownership accessible and affordable.
Supporting Children and Families in Crisis
Families in crisis are navigating complex systems that often feel like they punish more than they protect. For low-income families, this is even more challenging. VPLC works to ensure children, caregivers, and survivors of abuse receive the legal support they need to stay safe and make informed decisions. From guidance on foster care and parental rights to protective orders and divorce tools, we’re committed to expanding the rights of children and keeping families together.
Protecting Consumer Rights and Economic Fairness
Every Virginian deserves control over their finances without falling victim to systems that often end up exploiting them rather than helping them. We fight back against predatory lenders, unfair debt collection practices, deceptive sales tactics, and utility shut-offs. VPLC also helps people access tools like LIHEAP and unemployment benefits while advocating for stronger consumer protections across the board. Whether it’s holding companies accountable or empowering individuals with their rights, we’re focused on building a safer, more equitable economy for low-income Virginians.
Ensuring Access to Healthcare, Essential Benefits, and Healthy Communities
Food, healthcare, and public benefits must be easily accessible for all Virginians. VPLC helps individuals connect to essential programs like Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security, and TANF, and works to improve how these systems serve people. Through tools like the SNAP calculator and Enroll Virginia, we make it easier to access essential support and benefits. Our work also includes policy advocacy, legal support for seniors, and pushing for reforms that address the root causes of poverty and lead to healthier, more connected communities.