As part of the Province’s $2-million commitment to improve access to justice for British Columbians, the Law Foundation of B.C. has awarded a $250,000 grant that will allow the SOURCES Community Resources Society to become a legal clinic.

“This investment will provide support for Surrey residents who are navigating the justice system but can’t afford a lawyer,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “Legal clinics provide so much more than a website or a handbook. They offer excellent in-person legal advice and representation.”

SOURCES is an internationally accredited, community-based, not-for-profit society that has served individuals and families in B.C. for 40 years. It offers a variety of programs in 20 locations and strives to create more vibrant and resilient communities by offering support to children, youth, families, persons with disabilities, seniors, LGBTQ2S+ individuals and others who are coping with isolation, addiction, mental illness, poverty, disability and conflict.

The grant will be used by SOURCES to hire lawyers and legal staff. The new hires will be able to offer legal advice on issues including poverty, housing, immigration and accessibility, and to act as counsel in legal proceedings at no cost to their clients. The Law Foundation of B.C. will provide coaching, tools and support to enhance the services the centre offers.

“Poverty law issues are personal and complex,” Eby said. “We believe that these clinics will afford the British Columbians who need them the best possible outcomes, and that they will feel supported and valued throughout their experiences.”

Quotes:

Josh Paterson, executive director, Law Foundation of  British Columbia –

“Organizations like SOURCES offer services that improve the lives of thousands of British Columbians. The law foundation is proud to award this grant that will allow them to expand the work it does by providing legal counsel and representation to people who need it.”

David Young, CEO, SOURCES Community Resources Society –

“This funding will make a huge difference in the lives of our clients. They can come to SOURCES with the confidence they’ll be provided with the legal expertise to navigate the justice system, and know that they no longer need to be afraid of the process. We thank Minister Eby and the provincial government for making access to justice a priority.”

Learn More:

Law Foundation of BC: https://www.lawfoundationbc.org/

SOURCES Community Resources Society: https://www.sourcesbc.ca/