Who We Serve

CLA-LA serves our most vulnerable neighbors:

  • Disabled veterans
  • Low-income families
  • Foster children
  • Victims of domestic abuse
  • Seniors
  • Homeless men & women
  • Political refugees
  • Victims of criminal activity
Who need help to obtain or 
retain the basic essentials:

  • Veterans' benefits
  • Child custody & support
  • Physical security
  • Employment
  • Social Security
  • Legal citizenship
  • Good credit
  • Housing

Income & Residency Requirements


​CLA-LA has two qualifiers for determining whether to serve a client – income and residency.  All clients must be:
  1. at or below the definition of “very low income” as set forth in the Housing Community Development Guidelines for Los Angeles, and
  2. residents of Los Angeles County.  ​

​When possible, CLA-LA refers individuals who do not fit within these guidelines to outside attorneys or organizations who provide services at a reasonable rate. 
Very Low Income Households (HCD Guidelines for 2022): 
  • 1-person household: $41,700
  • 2-person household: $47,650
  • 3-person household: $53,600
  • 4-person household: $59,550
  • 5-person household: $64,350
  • 6-person household: $69,100
  • 7-person household: $73,850
  • 8-person household: $78,650

Client Testimonials

On Petitions for Expungement: “I worked with CLA-LA twice before and had an amazing experience with expungements.  This year and last year, those were dismissed…There’s no way I could do this by myself.  Absolutely no way.” – David
On Uniquely Christian Counseling: “I like the fact that I am speaking with Christian people because I have instant rapport with them.  I have no fear.” – Timothy
On Serving  as a Referral Source: “They gave me really good insight of what I was up against and what I needed to do and gave me a referral about somebody to talk to.” – James
On General Civil Practice: “I got help from filing responses and everything. Everything is gonna work out.” – Naomi
On Difficult Family Situations: ”I know that the ladies that were there to help me love the Lord, are servants of the Lord, and God is happy with them.  I’m happy with them, and I’m so grateful for this program because I couldn’t get the help I needed without it.” – Mary
On Accomplishing the Impossible: “I did receive a pardon. I am so blessed. Thank you so much for all your help and God bless you. I was praying and praying and praying.” - Jonathan