Columbia Legal Services | Basic Human Needs Project

Who We Are

Columbia Legal Services’ Basic Human Needs (BHN) Project represents low-income people and groups with critical civil needs and for whom no alternative legal services are available. BHN represents clients through negotiation and litigation and administrative and legislative advocacy. BHN’s work safeguards access to food, healthcare, childcare, emergency financial assistance, safe and accessible housing, and protection from exploitation or abuse. CLS primarily represents clients in cases involving severe and broad scale systemic inequities and cases presenting opportunities to prevent or challenge the underlying causes of poverty. CLS generally does not take direct client referrals.  New clients are asked to first contact CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014. Social service providers, community partners, or legal services advocates with potential referrals may contact Ann LoGerfo at ann.logerfo@columbialegal.org or by telephone at (206) 287-8615.

Who We Serve

Area(s)

Statewide

Language(s) Spoken

• Arabic / العربية
• Spanish / Español

Cirumstances and languages in which interpreters are provided

Translation and interpreter services are provided as needed.

Income Guidelines

1) Very low-income individuals and families of any age, or 2) persons 60 years of age or older living in King County with low to moderate income.

Your family’s income should be at or below the following percentage of the federal poverty level: 150% to 225% (depending on other circumstances). For those who are 60 years of age or older living in King County, there are no prescribed percentages, but the mission of CLS is to serve those who are low-income and cannot afford other services.

Your family’s income should be at or below the following percentage of the federal poverty level

150

Is this organization accessible by wheelchair?

YES

Does this organization provide access for the hearing impaired?

YES

Type of Help

This group provides the following types of services based on your legal needs and its resources:

• Full Legal Representation