People are struggling but workplace payday loans are not the answer.
Monday, November 13th, 2023
People are struggling to pay their rent, utilities, and buy food. We see it everywhere. Lack of affordable housing, lack of access to medical care, utility shutoffs. The Commonwealth of Virginia is not doing enough to help people. Into that gap come those that will exploit desperation– payday lenders, get rich quick con men and […]
Exploitative Lenders Fight Back Against Fair, Transparent & Competitive Loans
Friday, September 22nd, 2023
Why are the payday lenders trying to destroy the CFPB? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly. The CFPB was created in the wake of the 2008 recession when reckless financial practices by banks and other financial institutions nearly […]
We Can’t Create a Lending Loophole: Pay a Living Wage
Thursday, September 21st, 2023
A few days into the 2023 Virginia General Assembly session, VPLC learned that an “earned wage access” lender had talked two legislators into filing legislation to “regulate” the industry. The 2023 General Assembly rejected the legislation. However, it appears that there will be another effort to pass legislation in the 2024 General Assembly. What is […]
VPLC’s Invitation to Oliver Anthony: Join Us!
Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023
Odds are, by now you’ve heard about that song from a country singer in Farmville, Virginia, who performs under the stage name Oliver Anthony. As he belts “Rich Men North of Richmond,” Mr. Anthony raises an important issue that we here at VPLC care about and work hard to change: that working class and lower-income people work hard […]
VPLC Receives Virginia Law Foundation 2023 Grant
Tuesday, August 15th, 2023
With need for access to justice at an all-time high and the Rule of Law in the news every day, it is gratifying to be among 32 deserving nonprofits across the Commonwealth whose work addresses these areas. The work with Virginia Law Center completely aligns with the Virginia Law Foundation mission to promote the Rule […]
In Memoriam of John Horejsi
Thursday, August 10th, 2023
June 9, 1940 – August 4, 2023 The staff and friends of Virginia Poverty Law Center mourn the loss of John Horejsi, an unsurpassed advocate for impoverished Virginians. John was the founder of, the fire within, and the guiding light of Social Action Linking Together (SALT). SALT is a network of Virginians embracing the principle […]
Recognize the Signs of a Scam and Avoid Becoming a Victim.
Friday, July 28th, 2023
It seems like scams are everywhere and sometimes it feels like there’s no way to avoid being taken advantage of by heartless scammers. Don’t worry – we’ve put together the top red flags to look for and things you can do to avoid being the victim of a scam! Scammers will often pretend to be […]
If Children Are the Future, We Should Start Acting Like It.
Thursday, July 6th, 2023
While June, Family Reunification Month in Virginia and nationwide, has come to a close, its core commitment to doing what’s best for children’s development is a year-long pursuit. Children separated from their families and placed in foster care are more likely to struggle as adults. Across Virginia and the United States, children are taken away […]
Getting Ready for Changes to the SNAP and TANF Work Requirements
Tuesday, June 13th, 2023
VPLC hosted a webinar on Tuesday, June 27 to review important changes to work requirements that are coming to both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Virginia. These changes are due to the recent federal debt ceiling agreement and the end of policies that were put in […]
Work Requirements are Cruel and Insulting to Those in Need
Tuesday, June 13th, 2023
During the debt ceiling negotiations, the topic of “work requirements” was front and center. While Medicaid went unscathed, SNAP and TANF requirements will now have stricter requirements, though not as strict as the original proposed house bill. These changes were not about helping families, instead they harm those who most need our help. Analysis from […]
Cambios En 2023 En Los Beneficios De SNAP
Thursday, May 25th, 2023
El Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) proporciona fondos mensuales que ayudan a las personas y familias de bajos ingresos a llevar comida a la mesa. Cada dólar que se gasta a través del programa SNAP aporta $1,50 a la economía local, por lo que cuando las familias acceden a este importante recurso, se introduce […]
Helping Families Thrive: A New Approach to Child Abuse Prevention
Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023
Author: Valerie L’Herrou/VPLC Family & Child Welfare Attorney Around the country and here in Virginia, every April is designated “Child Abuse Prevention Month.” But at VPLC, we think this term is misleading. Why? Because we believe that the best way to help children is to help families thrive. Most cases of child abuse are actually cases […]
Matthew Desmond Book Event: Live & Virtual
Monday, May 1st, 2023
Why does the United States, the richest country on earth, have more poverty than any other advanced democracy? Because too many of us benefit from it, says Matthew Desmond, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Poverty, by America. Desmond makes a proposal for ending poverty in his talk Thursday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the […]
Changes to SNAP Benefits in 2023
Monday, April 24th, 2023
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly funds that help low-income individuals and families put food on the table. Every dollar spent through the SNAP program brings $1.50 to the local economy — so when individual families access this important resource, it introduces additional money into the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal […]
Navigating Unemployment Insurance
Tuesday, April 11th, 2023
Update: New data indicates VEC performance is still among the worst in the nation. Watch the segment on WTVR here. Top Tips for Unemployment Claims In the best of times, navigating the Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim and appeal process can be very confusing. However, with enduring delays and challenges from the pandemic, this confusing […]
April is Fair Housing Month
Thursday, April 6th, 2023
In commemoration of Fair Housing Month, VPLC will host an open, online “Coffee Chat” conversation with housing attorneys on Tuesday, April 11 from 9 – 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend after registering here. 2023 marks 55 years since the landmark Fair Housing Act was signed into law. Under the leadership of President Lyndon […]
Remembering Our Dear Friend, Karl Bren
Thursday, March 2nd, 2023
Our condolences are with the family of Karl Bren, a lifetime fair housing advocate and a VPLC Board member for decades. As a founding member of VPLC’s Advisory Council, Karl certainly felt like family to many of us here. He remains one of the best people I have ever known. Karl brought his brilliant mind, […]
OPINION: Dominion Faces the Consequences of its Actions (Richmond Times Dispatch)
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023
Read the Richmond Times Dispatch opinion piece by Albert Pollard, published February 19, 2023 here. If you are unable to reach the linked page, a pdf is below.
Sneaky Tactic to Reduce VEC Backlog
Friday, February 17th, 2023
Thousands of unemployment claimants may find today that their unemployment appeals are officially dismissed. In a move to wipe out more than a quarter of its backlog of almost 93,000 appeals, the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) sent out notices alerting claimants that nearly 26,000 appeals – some years old – were filed late. The agency […]