Homeless Courts and Community Courts

Homeless Courts and Community Couts  

Homeless courts and community courts are specialized therapeutic justice courts designed to support homeless and housing-insecure individuals by addressing legal issues and promoting self-sufficiency through client-centered services. These courts differ in structure and scope but share the goal of helping participants reintegrate into society. 

• Purpose of homeless courts: Homeless courts help participants resolve outstanding criminal cases such as infractions, misdemeanors, and low-level felonies that hinder their ability to secure employment and housing. Sessions are typically held at community sites serving homeless populations, where participants are recognized for engaging in supportive activities like life skills training, counseling, and job search assistance. This process aids in reducing court backlogs and removing barriers to social services and employment. 

• History and expansion: The first homeless court was established in 1989 in San Diego, evolving from a veterans’ program. Los Angeles followed in 2000, and since then, California has expanded homeless courts to about two dozen locations, with sessions often held weekly or monthly.  

• Support for courts: The Judicial Council of California and the American Bar Association collaborate to assist courts in starting or enhancing homeless courts, including resources like webinars, best practices, and technical assistance focused on serving diverse populations such as families and transitional-aged youth. This support is offered at no cost to courts.  

  • Homeless Court Collaboration Video  

  • ABA’s Commission on Homelessness and Poverty  

  • Homeless Court Program Webinar  

  • Homeless and Community Court Blueprint  

• Community courts overview: Community courts operate as collaborative justice courts addressing a broad range of local issues including quality of life crimes, mental health, addiction, homelessness, and housing disputes, often involving multiple court appearances and graduated sanctions to improve judicial efficiency and offender support.  

For self-help legal resources about housing and eviction, visit legal and housing resources here. To find out whether a homeless court or community court likely exists in your community, you can refer to this chart in this information sheet or contact your court’s self help center for the most recent information. See the self-help locator here.