Virginia Poverty Law Center
Non-profit organization
919 E Main St #610, Richmond, VA 23219
Information last updated
Practice Areas
About Virginia Poverty Law Center
The Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization established in 1978. It is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers that perpetuate poverty among low-income Virginians. VPLC achieves its mission through a multi-faceted approach encompassing advocacy, education, and strategic litigation.
The organization partners with legal aid programs, community groups, and attorneys across the Commonwealth, offering training, resources, and support to empower individuals and drive lasting change. VPLC's work addresses critical legal issues and policies affecting daily life, focusing on four key areas:
- Ensuring Access to Safe and Affordable Housing
- Supporting Children and Families in Crisis
- Protecting Consumer Rights and Economic Fairness
- Ensuring Access to Healthcare, Essential Benefits, and Healthy Communities
While VPLC does not typically provide direct legal representation, it offers helplines for specific issues and refers individuals to local legal aid programs for comprehensive assistance. The center strives to ensure that all Virginians have the necessary rights, support, and opportunities to live with agency, dignity, and pride.
From the firm’s website
- Attorneys
- James W. (Jay) Speer — Chief Executive Officer
- Emily Hardy — Deputy Director of the Center for Healthy Communities, Staff Attorney, Elder Law
- Valerie L'Herrou — Deputy Director of the Center for Family Advocacy, Staff Attorney, Family & Chil
- Deepak Madala — Director of the Center for Healthy Communities and Enroll Virginia
- Christine E. Marra — Director of Housing Advocacy
- Susheela Varky — Director of the Center for Family Advocacy and Legal Assistance for Victim-Immig
- Janae Craddock — Staff Attorney
- Anna Daniszewski — Staff Attorney, Family Defense
- Sarah Morton — Staff Attorney
- Flannery O'Rourke — Staff Attorney
- Vanessa Paster — Managing Attorney
- Daniel Rezai — Staff Attorney
- Services listed
- Ensuring Access to Safe and Affordable Housing, Supporting Families and Children in Crisis, Protecting Consumer Rights and Economic Fairness, Ensuring Access to Healthcare, Essential Benefits, and Healthy Communities
- Founded
- 1978
- Fees
- The firm operates as a nonprofit organization, providing free assistance through its helplines and resources, and connecting individuals to free civil legal aid partners.
- Offices
- 919 East Main Street, Suite 610 Richmond, VA 23219
Source: vplc.org · checked October 23, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.
Hours of Operation
- Monday
- 9 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday
- 9 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday
- 9 AM–5 PM
- Thursday
- 9 AM–5 PM
- Friday
- 9 AM–5 PM
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Details & Amenities
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lot
Related Videos
Introduction to Virginia Poverty Law Center's Eviction Defense Center
Eviction Defense in Virginia & the Eviction Legal Helpline (Training for Attorneys)
VIRGINIA POVERTY LAW CENTER PODCAST
Virginia Poverty Law Center — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Virginia Poverty Law Center located?
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Virginia Poverty Law Center is at 919 E Main St #610, Richmond, VA 23219.
What services does Virginia Poverty Law Center list on its website?
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When checked on October 23, 2026, the firm's website (vplc.org) listed Ensuring Access to Safe and Affordable Housing, Supporting Families and Children in Crisis, Protecting Consumer Rights and Economic Fairness, Ensuring Access to Healthcare, Essential Benefits, and Healthy Communities.
How do I contact Virginia Poverty Law Center?
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Call Virginia Poverty Law Center at (804) 782-9430. Its website is vplc.org.
When is Virginia Poverty Law Center open?
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Monday to Friday: 9 AM–5 PM. Saturday and Sunday: closed.
How is Virginia Poverty Law Center rated on Google?
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Virginia Poverty Law Center has a 4.2-star rating on Google from 10 reviews.
Client Reviews
5 reviews- Jason Apolo· via Google
Extremely caring and altruistic people.
7 years ago - Inga Tritt Yater· via Google
Top quality. There is no better for human rights.
8 years ago - chaleah phillips· via Google
Everytime I tried to call this office it always went to voicemail and it was too full to leave a message. No contact forms on the site either. Given how few the reviews are I am guessing they just don't care.
2 years ago - Maude Mathilde H· via Google
Don't bother asking them why they won't stand up for SSI, SSDI Recipients all of whom are finding it impossible to find or keep affordable housing due to inadequate COLA raises, and greedy landlords price gouging rent. Not all recipients have Section 8, subsidized rent. Doesn't matter to them that the rate of homelessness is growing, and not all homeless are stereotypical addicts, mentally ill. More and more are the disabled because they can not afford housing. To ask or even broach the subject will result in them blocking you, although they continue to inundate your email box. Apparently standing up for the impoverished disabled isn't trendy enough of a topic to align themselves with. Just confirms my suspicion: these organizations couldn't care less about disabled people ending up homeless; in fact it appears that they regard the impoverished disabled as second class citizens; just like everyone else does. The government and society can no longer get away with discriminating against LGBTQI+ Community, or people of colour, so what's left? The disabled is what's left and this organization has no problem jumping aboard. I feel good about unsubscribing, and blocking them from filling up my email box. It's real clear that no one cares about the disabled all of whom are living in poverty, misery, despair, and discrimination.
3 years ago - Danielle J.· via Google
We are so grateful for the guidance and support we've received from the Virginia Poverty Law Center, specifically from Sarah Morton. I initially submitted an inquiry for my MIL, and it did take a while to hear back, but I'm grateful we connected with Sarah. Out of all the resources we gathered, Sarah was the most thorough and engaged. Navigating legal matters for an aging parent is overwhelming and stressful, especially when facing complicated family dynamics and urgent financial concerns. Sarah has been incredibly knowledgeable, clear, and patient as she walked us through the legal basics, explained realistic options, and provided trusted resources. She took the time to listen to our family's concerns, offered thoughtful feedback, and clearly explained both the benefits and limitations of various options. We appreciate how Sarah maintained professionalism and compassion during a tough, emotional situation. Her honesty, experience, and care were exactly what our family needed. Thank you, Sarah and VPLC, for your service and dedication to families like ours.
a year ago
