The Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center (KGACLC) is a clinical program of Santa Clara University School of Law with a dual mission to educate law students to be lifelong social justice advocates and provide supervised free legal services for low-income consumers, immigrants, workers, and the unhoused in Santa Clara County.  

Unhoused Advocacy Clinic

KGACLC’s holistic approach and practice allow us to be creative, responsive, and resourceful to community legal needs. Working with law student volunteers enables us to significantly expand the number of clients we serve. In Fall 2025, KGACLC launched the Unhoused Advocacy Clinic (UAC) to empower those experiencing homelessness by addressing legal matters that impede transitioning into and maintaining stable housing such as fines and fees, record clearance, infractions for “quality of life crimes,” driver's license issues, reasonable accommodations, property claims, small claim support, and other similar matters, providing access to a myriad of benefits and resources.  

The UAC contributes to the well-being and success of our unhoused neighbors in Santa Clara County through client-centered, community-based legal services, offering:

1) Community Education and Outreach, in collaboration with other legal and homeless service providers in Santa Clara County;

2) Bi-weekly Advice Clinics staffed by law students, allowing clients to receive one-on-one information, advice, and assistance with legal matters; and

3) Direct Representation where the UAC is the attorney of record providing legal assistance in court and/or administrative hearings or matters. 

When a person experiencing homelessness is able to resolve outstanding legal matters, they are more likely to gain access to job training, government assistance, housing programs, health services, educational opportunities, and to be civically engaged. Their potential and mobility increase, making long-term stability more likely and, therefore, future homelessness less likely. Removing legal barriers clears the path for successful reintegration and stability. 

Depending on the available resources, the KGACLC may offer full legal representation to a limited number of clients seen during its legal clinics. Although these representation services are free, there may be other costs that will not be covered by the KGACLC. Such costs may include court fees, mailing fees, interpreting fees, etc.

Please contact the Law Center to determine your eligibility and/or make an appointment.