AVLF

Equal Justice for All

By Katrina McDowell on Dec 14, 2023 in Giving

Let’s head to Georgia and introduce the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF), founded in 1979 and created through joint efforts of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, the Atlanta Bar Association, the Atlanta Council of Younger Lawyers and the Gate City Bar Association. AVLF’s mission is to create safe and stable homes for families and fighting for equal justice.

“We believe no one standing up for their rights should have to do it alone. That’s why we stand with, for, and in support of low-income Atlantans as they demand safe and stable housing and break free from domestic violence,” says Libby Rother, development director of AVLF.

AVLF is the largest pro bono legal services provider in Atlanta and Fulton County, Georgia and serves those of domestic abuse, children in high-conflict disputes, and residents in disputes with property owners.

“At AVLF, ‘here’ means many things. It means beside them in court, at our downtown legal clinics nearly every Saturday of the year, in our two offices inside the Fulton County Courthouse, our communities’ schools, and our clients’ homes,” explains Rother.

Together, this foundation is working for a fairer and more equitable Atlanta, one family at a time. In 2022, 4,340 clients were served, and more than $725,000 in emergency assistance was distributed.

At the heart of AVLF is its community, which aligns with Yardi’s motto of “taking care of the community.” AVLF is constantly looking for innovative ways to deepen its reach in the community.

In 2016, AVLF established school offices with a Community Advocate and Attorney who would meet with parents to discuss housing issues. Now, AVLF has an office location on the Westside of Atlanta—a community with high rates of evictions and domestic violence.

After establishing this office location, AVLF launched a Mobile Advocacy van to meet abuse survivors. The Standing with Survivors program can remotely connect survivors to the Court and help them secure a protective order, all while sitting in a shopping center parking lot. ALVF is working on getting another van along with more members to the team.

In addition, AVLF opened the Housing Court Assistance Center (HCAC) in the Fulton County Courthouse. Volunteers and AVLF Team members advise and assist individuals regarding their pending evictions or housing issues.  

“We know that most individuals coming to Court are unaware of their rights or how one wrong move could mean certain eviction. With the assistance of HCAC, they are ready to represent themselves,” said Rother.

Funding from Yardi is used throughout the organization to support Attorneys and Advocates who work tirelessly for clients.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from Yardi! Thank you for believing in our work, and know that you are supporting direct services that will keep a family in their home and safe from violence,” shares Rother.

Tameka’s Triumph

Tameka was an apartment resident who had to flee her home due to an abusive relationship. She and her five children ran to a family member’s one-bedroom apartment for safety. However, Tameka was still worried that the abuser would be able to find them since he knew where the family member lived.

With the assistance of ALVF’s Standing with Survivors program, Tameka obtained an ex-parte order and relocated to a hotel utilizing emergency assistance funds.

After a week, she bravely returned to her apartment, but knowing Tameka had a legal team with her, the former partner returned the key and ultimately left the area.

Tameka and her children are safe at home.

Volunteer Opportunities

AVLF’s volunteers are deeply committed to helping low-income individuals achieve the safety and stability they deserve. No expertise is required to provide life-changing support to its clients.

“Often, just a simple demand letter can make a world of distance. For full representation in all of our programs, we provide in-depth training, a wealth of legal resources, and access to expert staff attorneys who can help you along the way. We have volunteer opportunities for attorneys, paralegals, law students, and anyone else who would like to join us in the fight for equal justice,” Rother said.

Those interested complete this form, and one of AVLF’s volunteer coordinators will be in touch.

Unfortunately, so many of AVLF’s clients return to a home with mold, pests, and sewage issues, evictions with locks changed, and their items are thrown out, or some have emotional or physical domestic abuse. With AVLF on their side, the hope for a safe and stable environment for all Atlantans is possible. Follow AVLF on social media @atlvolunteerlawyers.

Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving.