Description of Services

CCJ’s core legal services are limited to low-income persons in a 14 county region who have income at or below 125% of the federal poverty levels.  CCJ works with national, state, and local agencies who are involved with poverty issues to identify and address issues that impact low-income families at the federal or state level.  Our advocacy efforts include lobbying, litigation, and policy advocacy to improve conditions for low-income families.  In some cases, with approval of the Director, CCJ may be able to represent people with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level. 

When CCJ has special funding to do so, it may work on projects or issues that help people with higher income. For example: 

CCJ’s food and nutrition advocacy work, including its Food and Nutrition Helpline, is available statewide and assists people who are eligible for federal food programs, which may include people with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level.   

The Healthcare Eligibility Law Project in Genesee County does not have specific income guidelines, but because it focuses on government insurance programs, it is best able to help people with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

Current Issues and Activities

All of CCJ's advocacy seeks to benefit low income people in some way.  We work on some larger budget and tax issues in partnership with state and national advocates.  Some current concerns are reflected in the policy documents below.

Key Components of House and Senate Economic Recovery Packages Would Boost the Economy and Provide Needed Relief to Struggling Families - A September 2008 analysis of the latest proposed stimulus package by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Understanding Michigan's Fiscal Crisis.  This is a powerpoint that is periodically updated.  For more information, click on the link for the Michigan League for Human Services below.

Labor Day Report:  Economic Challenges Underscore Needs of Low-Income Workers - October 2008 by the Michigan League for Human Services.

Useful Links:

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities  www.cbpp.org

Coalition for Human Needs   www.chn.org

Michigan League for Human Services  www.milhs.org