Virginia Poverty Law Center

06/05/2026

🏠 Northern Virginia residents, we need YOUR voice! Join us for a discussion on navigating VA's housing crisis as tenants.

📅 Date: Thursday, June 18
🕖 Time: 7:00-8:30 PM
📍 Location: Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S. Dinwiddie Street, Arlington, VA 22204

Share your experiences and ideas for change! VPLC lawyers will explain your legal rights as a tenant.

Link to register: https://secure.everyaction.com/DXDz00K2LkGGFhlUbbO8kg2

06/02/2026

DANVILLE RESIDENTS: 🏡 We want to hear from you!

Are you renting in Danville or concerned about housing in your community? Join us and The Health Collaborative - Dan River Region this Thursday, June 4th, for a Tenant Town Hall where you can learn your rights, ask questions, and share your story.

This is a space to connect, be heard, and help shape stronger protections for renters in Danville. Bring a friend and be a part of the conversation!

🔗 RSVP here: https://bit.ly/danville26tenants

05/28/2026

BREAKING: Today, Virginia Poverty Law Center launched VirginiaLawHelp.org, a new statewide website providing free legal information and self-help resources for Virginians facing common civil legal issues.

Designed to improve access to justice in Virginia, VirginiaLawHelp.org offers easy-to-understand, plain language information about common problems. The site provides legal information and resources, so Virginians can understand their options and take next steps. And using the "Get Legal Help" tool, you can find local legal aid organizations in your locality and learn how to apply for free or low-cost legal assistance.

Read the press release: https://www.vplc.org/press-releases/vplc-launches-virginialawhelp-org-free-legal-help-website-for-virginians/

05/22/2026

VPLC is organizing Tenant Town Halls across Virginia to advise about tenant rights and answer questions about the new laws to protect tenants. Join us! See Events in comments.

Virginia renters are facing rising housing costs, eviction concerns, maintenance issues, and major changes in housing laws. This spring and summer alongside several community partners across the state…

05/20/2026

Richmond tenants! Join us for the second Town Hall of the year on May 27 from 6-7:30 PM at the Richmond Public Library, Main Branch. 🏛️ This event is hosted in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Virginia .

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to discuss important tenant issues and connect with your community.

👉 Learn more about all our upcoming town halls: https://www.vplc.org/news/vplc-and-community-partners-bring-tenant-town-halls-across-virginia/

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05/18/2026

May is Foster Care Awareness Month... but awareness includes knowing that foster care means we have failed a child and their family. Can we do better?

There is a lot to celebrate when families step up to provide a safe and loving home for children who have been placed in foster care. But putting kids in foster care is no reason for joy.

05/15/2026

Susheela Varky, VPLC's Director of Family Advocacy, worked with VSDVAA and Delegate Lindsey Dougherty, to bring this issue to the General Assembly. Now a court may require a protective order respondent to pay rent, mortgage, and utilities so survivors can stay in their home. Valerie L'Herrou, Deputy Director of Family Advocacy, joined with VSDVAA staff as Governor Abigail Spanberger signed the bill!

Big day at the Virginia Capitol yesterday! Our Policy Director Courtenay Schwartz and Policy Intern Nyna Benjamin were honored to witness Governor Abigail Spanberger sign HB 1363 into law. Carried by Delegate Lindsey Dougherty, VA House Dist. 75 (Hopewell) and championed by our partners at the Virginia Poverty Law Center, this bill supports survivors' economic security by allowing a court to require a respondent to pay rent or utilities and maintain utility services as part of a protective order. It may be a small change to state law, but it is a deeply meaningful one. Because safety doesn't stop at the front door. This win will strengthen support for survivors and their families across Virginia. Help us keep doing this work! Join and/or make a donation to the Action Alliance today using the links in the first comment of this post.

05/12/2026

📅 Save the date for our 2026 Tenant Town Halls! 🌞

Join us and several community partners across the state for a series of Tenant Town Halls. This is your chance to learn about new tenant protections, ask questions, and share your experiences!

To find a Tenant Town Hall near you, RSVP, and get more information — just scan the QR code! 📲

05/05/2026

Calling Chesapeake residents & renters! 📣

VPLC's first Tenant Town Hall of the year will be at the For Kids Landmark Center in Chesapeake on May 12. Hearing directly from tenants about your experiences and ideas helps us advocate for laws that improve housing fairness in Virginia.

Join VPLC, ForKids, and Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME) for a presentation about Virginia tenants' legal rights and a conversation about your ideas for change.

Dinner will be provided by Healthy Chesapeake. Learn more and register: https://www.vplc.org/news/vplc-and-community-partners-bring-tenant-town-halls-across-virginia/

05/03/2026

Access to justice can be as simple as this: can you show your evidence in court?

Rules that prevent folks from bringing their phones or other electronic devices into the courthouse are creating real barriers, especially for people without lawyers. That’s why SB 83 and HB 872 are so important.

Now, we just need the Governor to sign them into law.

📣 Send a message to the Governor here: vplc.org/actions/take-action-for-justice-this-law-day/

https://valawyersweekly.com/2026/04/15/virginia-legislature-passes-bill-standardize-courthouse-security-phone-rules/

Virginia legislature passed Senate Bill 83 to standardize courthouse security and electronic device policies, awaiting Gov. Abigail Spanberger's approval.