Volunteer
CARES Program: Connecting Angelenos to
Resources and Essential Services
Public Counsel’s CARES program is a pro bono initiative that empowers attorneys, law students, and other volunteers to provide direct advocacy for low-income and unhoused individuals navigating the public benefits system. Since its launch 30 years ago, CARES has been a critical resource for helping Angelenos secure the support they need to survive and thrive.
What CARES Volunteers Do
Under the guidance of Public Counsel staff, CARES volunteers provide in-person advocacy at Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) offices, assisting individuals with:
✔ General Relief & CalWORKs (cash aid)
✔ Medi-Cal (health coverage)
✔ CalFresh (food assistance)
By volunteering with CARES, you will:
- Provide hands-on legal support to community members facing systemic barriers
- Gain insight into the realities of homelessness and economic insecurity in Los Angeles
- Develop valuable advocacy skills while helping people overcome barriers to accessing critical benefits.
What to Expect as a CARES Volunteer
Join us for one of our CARES outings. Each volunteer opportunity includes:
- A one-hour virtual training the week prior to your outing
- A two-hour in-person advocacy opportunity at a DPSS office (groups are limited to 6 participants per outing)
Sign Up Here!
If you are a law firm, attorney, law student, or other volunteer interested in participating in a CARES training and outing, please complete the interest form below and we will reach out with more information:
