The Legal Clinic mourns the recent passing of two champions of justice. Lois G. Williams Our first introduction to Lois was in the late 1980′s when, as the pro bono partner at then Howrey & Simon, she worked with Mitch Snyder and others at the Community for Creative Non-Violence, challenging conditions in DC’s singles shelter system at a time when the District of Columbia had a year-round right to shelter but operated facilities that were...

Today, December 21st, is the Winter Solstice, when darkness lasts longer than any other day. Since 1990, December 21st has been marked as National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, a day to mourn the loss and celebrate the lives of our brothers and sisters who have died while homeless. It has been far too dark, for far too many people, for far too long. At the DC Memorial Vigil this afternoon, 43 names were read of men and women who died in and...

We were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Patricia Handy, homeless coordinator in the Family Services Administration of the DC Department of Human Services, and a partner in the fight to end homelessness in the District. Ms. Handy dedicated her career to help better the lives of DC residents experiencing homelessness. She worked at all hours of the day and was often the first person to respond to those who were facing a housing...

Last Sunday my client, Shirley Riley, passed away. In speaking with her daughter and her mother this week, it struck me that her family may not know the profound impact she had on the lives of other D.C. residents.  I’d like to share a small part of her story so that they and others will know more about the legacy of her fight for justice. I first met Ms. Riley in 2009 when she was staying in the D.C. General family shelter with her daughter....

By Patty Mullahy Fugere Dear Friends – It is with great sorrow that I write to inform you of the passing of our beloved colleague, Mary Ann Luby. She succumbed to cancer late last night after learning of the disease not even two weeks ago. As you might expect if you know Mary Ann at all, she was at peace on the final days of her earth journey. She remained restless, though, about the injustices around her and managed to prepare a “to do” list...