The Legal Aid DC, in partnership with the DC Bar Foundation, announced the official launch of the DC Resource Bridge, a one-stop service that makes it easier for District residents to access free or low-cost civil legal help.
Built in collaboration with a wide network of legal service providers, the DC Resource Bridge is designed to make access to justice simpler, fairer, and more effective.
With a single phone call to 202-933-HELP (4357) District residents no longer must make dozens of calls or guess where to turn for legal help. The DC Resource Bridge streamlines the process by connecting people directly to the organization best able to serve them, cutting through barriers and confusion.
At launch, the DC Resource Bridge will help residents resolve urgent civil legal issues in family law matters, problems with public benefits, consumer debt and foreclosure, and cases in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
In the coming months, DC Resource Bridge will expand to provide referrals in additional areas of law.
“Too many of our neighbors have faced overwhelming barriers to justice simply because the legal system is hard to navigate,” said Kirra Jarratt, CEO of the DC Bar Foundation. “The DC Resource Bridge is the result of years of collaboration across the legal services community. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that every resident can find the help they need.”
The DC Resource Bridge was designed and developed by the DC Bar Foundation with input from District residents, legal services providers, community partners, and local government. Legal Aid DC will host and manage the DC Resource Bridge, working closely with more than 50 partner organizations to ensure it remains a trusted, effective resource for the community.
Vikram Swaruup, the executive director of Legal Aid DC, enthusiastically backs the collaboration.
“Legal Aid is proud to launch the DC Resource Bridge, so people can get connected to the help they need without going from organization to organization,” he said. “This is an important step toward closing the access to justice gap in the District.”
