You're invited to participate in the Partners for Justice Conference at the Baltimore Convention Center on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

The Partners for Justice Conference takes place annually, and presents a unique opportunity for legal services program staff, the public and private bar, members of the judiciary, human services agencies, elected officials, and others to discuss critical issues facing the poor and underrepresented across the mid-Atlantic region and how we can improve access to justice.

Early bird gets the worm! Register at the special Early Bird price from now until April 25, 2025, and you can save $15 on your ticket.

Katie Davis, Director of PBRC's Courtroom Advocacy Project, co-wrote an article for Shelterforce about a case in Maryland where parents and school leaders joined with housing advocates to win additional rental assistance, targeted to families in the state's community schools.

"Partnership between PBRC and numerous community school coordinators in Baltimore City has resulted in outreach to school communities about tenants’ rights and resources for low-income renters at school food banks and back-to-school events. PBRC looks to the community school coordinators to learn about the specific needs of the community, and the school communities benefit from the resources and easy access to a legal services organization.”

Read more about the partnership between housing advocates and community school coordinators.

Allison Harris, Director of PBRC's Home Preservation Project, spoke to The Baltimore Sun about the importance of exempting all residencies from tax sale due to unpaid water bills, and the underexamined issue of misclassified properties.

“When the State Department of Assessments and Taxation receives word that a homeowner has died, the home’s classification is changed. But after an heir who resides in the home obtains the deed, the home might still be listed in the SDAT catalog as not owner-occupied.

'People assume: ‘Oh, homeowners are protected,' Harris said. 'But because the database is filled with errors about what is or isn’t owner-occupied, homeowners aren’t protected.'"

Read more about House Bill 59 and the changes to the tax sale system PBRC is advocating for to better protect homeowners.

This year, PBRC is proud to offer Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) for donations of $500 or more. Here’s how it works:

• 50% State Tax Credit: Receive a credit on your Maryland state taxes equal to half your donation amount. For example, a $1,000 gift means $500 off your Maryland state taxes.

• Charitable Deduction: In addition to the state tax credit, you can still claim the full donation as a deduction on your federal and state taxes.

The bottom line: A $1,000 donation to PBRC could cost you as little as $250 after combining tax savings and credits. Your generosity has never gone further! But credits are limited, so act fast. Visit probonomd.org/taxcredits to learn more or make your gift today.