Accessing Justice
Community demand for access to justice has grown over the past several years. BCF’s Community Report shows that nonprofits face challenges with staffing to meet this rising need. Scroll to pages 20-21 of the report to read in more detail.
Below are some stories from nonprofits working directly on these cases. All names have been changed.
In September 2025, Kitsap Legal Aid Services (KLAS) staff received an inquiry from a community member, Jane Doe. Jane was a disabled individual experiencing chronic homelessness. Jane had secured a bed at a shelter that advertised itself as accommodating to her needs. After an incident that exacerbated Jane’s symptoms, she was ushered into the manager’s office. The communications that followed caused Jane to fear that she would lose her bed at the shelter. Given her disabilities, sudden displacement would have grave consequences. Jane came to KLAS for advice. KLAS intervened and advocated for Jane by writing a letter to the shelter urging them to abide by state and federal laws surrounding reasonable accommodation. At a follow-up appointment, Jane reported to KLAS: “If not for the help of Kitsap Legal Aid, I do believe I would have been exited from the shelter.” Ms. Doe graciously thanked KLAS for the help and said she was not in need of further assistance at this time.
KLAS receives a high volume of inquiries daily and works hard to connect clients with legal services and resources in a timely manner. KLAS’ program staff work hard to understand the individual person’s needs, barriers, and deadlines, to implement accurate case scoring and prioritization.
KLAS is our county’s provider of free Civil Legal Services. Kitsap Legal Aid Services operates 2 programs: The Volunteer Lawyer Program and The Eviction Defense Program. The Volunteer Lawyer Program works to recruit attorneys to provide free consultations to clients for a broad scope of civil matters. Volunteering attorneys are not asked to provide services beyond consultation. Under the Right to Counsel Statute, The Eviction Defense Program provides free legal mediation services and direct representation to low-income tenants facing Eviction. If you are interested in volunteering with KLAS, please contact Lisa Jones, Program Coordinator: ljones@kitsaplegalaid.org. Learn more about KLAS.
Alejandro came to the U.S. from Guatemala as a teenager seeking a more secure future. At Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center (KIAC), he received the legal support he needed to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, a protection for young people facing unsafe situations. KIAC later worked with him to receive his green card, providing the security he needed to take his next steps and continue building his life here.
Over the years, KIAC has continued to stand alongside Alejandro and his family. We celebrated with him when he was able to return to Guatemala and reunite with his family after many years. His story shows how access to justice is not a single event but an ongoing process that makes opportunity, belonging, and family unity possible.
KIAC recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and works for the well-being and empowerment of immigrants through education, advocacy and social justice. KIAC envisions a community where everyone, regardless of where they were born, has fair and equitable access to justice, respect, and opportunity. Programs focus on family services, legal services, and tax and business services.
Learn more about KIAC and join them at their annual fundraiser, In Lak’ech: Building Community, Rights & Belonging, on October 23 at Kiana Lodge.
“When I first connected with the YWCA Legal Services in Bremerton, I truly felt like all hope was lost. I was exhausted, afraid, and unsure how to move forward. But from the moment I met YWCA Legal Services legal advocates, that began to change. They helped me realize that the future … begins where I choose to rebuild it.
Throughout my court process my YWCA advocate stood by my side every step of the way. My advocate guided me through the legal process and offered encouragement and care when I needed it most. My advocates helped me see that I still had hope, that I still had a future, and that healing was possible. 
Because of the YWCA, I began to feel safe again and found the courage to believe in myself and my life beyond abuse.”
The YWCA of Kitsap County provides legal advocacy services to survivors of domestic abuse, regardless of gender. Their advocates assist with criminal and civil legal advocacy including support through criminal proceedings, help with protection orders, parenting plans and divorce. They also provide referrals for attorney consultation. In addition to providing clients with access to justice, they offer housing programs including a women’s shelter. Learn more about YWCA Kitsap.
Other stories connected to BCF’s Community Report:
Addressing Affordability Together
The Power of Cultural Connection
The Power of Learning
Want to learn more?
Contact us at info@bainbridgecf.org — we’d love to hear from you.
