Arch City Defenders

Arch City Defenders is a legal advocacy group dedicated to addressing the criminalization of poverty and state violence, with a particular focus on aiding communities of color. The organization offers comprehensive services that span civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community collaboration. It is actively involved in systemic civil rights litigation, tackling issues such as debtors’ prisons, police misconduct, cash bail, and poor jail conditions. Additionally, Arch City Defenders operates a Social Services program that provides essential support including housing, access to identification, public benefits, and transportation assistance. The organization also hosts the Wendy Werner Internship Program, which offers practical experience to students from law, social work, and other disciplines. Since its inception, Arch City Defenders has filed 53 civil rights lawsuits and has successfully housed 161 people or 36 families with the support of its Social Work team since August 2018. Furthermore, it has established over 50 partnerships with both local and national groups to enhance awareness and promote systemic policy changes.