Partners & Volunteers — Homeless Advocacy Project

With more than 15,000 people in Philadelphia who experience or face homelessness every year, the need for HAP’s legal assistance far exceeds the capacity of HAP’s small staff. HAP, therefore, relies heavily on our generous pro bono partners who commit their time, staff, and resources to meet the legal needs of individuals and families at risk of or already experiencing homelessness.

To learn more about partnering with HAP or get involved, please contact HAP Pro Bono Manager Maggie Oberkircher, Esq. at [email protected] or complete the HAP Online Volunteer Form. If you have questions about an active HAP pro bono case, please contact Maggie or your HAP supervisor for support.

HAP Pro Bono Opportunities

HAP provides access to recorded trainings and written guides/resources as well as a HAP supervisor who can provide support throughout your pro bono case. All HAP pro bono case opportunities can be handled virtually, with the exception of in-person legal clinics. Some clients may require or benefit from in-person meetings. Please inquire for information about the estimated time commitment for each opportunity and any other questions about our pro bono opportunities.

Birth Certificate Cases

Help a HAP client obtain or amend a birth certificate. Research the local request process, complete and submit a birth certificate application and accompanying materials to the relevant Vital Records office (including a copy of an attorney ID, bar card, and the appropriate application fee), and follow up on the request to ensure it is completed.

SOAR Project

Represent a HAP client in an expedited application process for SSI/SSDI that is designed to increase the approval rate for vulnerable claimants who are experiencing homelessness.

Legal Clinics

Staff a general legal clinic serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Meet with HAP clients to begin to identify and assess any legal needs. Provide advice and information or referrals as needed and handle any cases that open, with HAP support.

HAP also hosts occasional subject-matter specific clinics for birth certificate needs and for life planning documents.

Miscellaneous Cases

Support HAP clients with other civil legal needs that arise, including but not limited to:

Housing Judgment Satisfaction
Criminal Expungements
Immigration Matters (USCIS FOIA requests, FBI background checks, and requesting replacement green cards or naturalization certificates)
Estate Planning (e.g. simple will or power of attorney)
Child Custody Cases
Name Changes
Identity Theft

We have a particular need for volunteer support for simple immigration matters. Please reach out if interested!

Serve as a Volunteer Mentor or Contribute to HAP Resources

If you are an experienced HAP volunteer or familiar with a particular area of law, HAP would love to have you serve as a mentor for a newer HAP volunteer to provide guidance and answer case questions. Alternatively, contribute by drafting form documents or creating/updating other volunteer resources.

CLE Credit for Pro Bono Service

Pennsylvania

PA attorneys can earn up to three (3) CLE credits upon completion of pro bono work for HAP clients. One (1) CLE credit can be earned for every five (5) hours of pro bono service.