LOS ANGELES – The county public defender’s office received two Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), recognizing programs that provide legal services to homeless individuals on Skid Row and use art to engage communities and employees.
The awards honor the Community Outreach Court: Homeless Mobile Unit and the Art & Social Justice: Community Engagement and Employee Wellness Through Social Justice Civic Art program. The National Association of Counties presents Achievement Awards annually to recognize innovation in local government programs.
“This dual recognition by NACo reflects our commitment to serving the community in ways that transform traditional courtroom advocacy,” said Ricardo García, the Los Angeles County Public Defender.
The Community Outreach Court operates monthly on the third Thursday at The Refresh Spot on Skid Row, where attorneys help resolve low-level legal matters including citations, bench warrants and record clearing. The program launched in 2024 as a partnership between the Public Defender’s Office, Alternate Public Defender’s Office, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles Superior Court and Mayor Karen Bass’ Office of Community Safety.
Public Defender’s Office officials say the program has engaged over 500 unhoused individuals since its inception. The office did not provide details about how many cases were resolved or what types of legal outcomes participants achieved.
“By meeting clients where they are and helping them resolve legal challenges that stand in the way of housing or employment, we’re empowering individuals and offering real pathways to rebuild lives,” García said.
The program convenes at The Refresh Spot, a 24/7 facility that provides showers, restrooms, laundry and access to social services. Participants can receive help resolving legal matters while connecting to housing, employment and reentry services.
The second award-winning program, Art & Social Justice, focuses on community engagement and employee wellness through civic art projects. The Public Defender’s Office did not provide specific details about this program’s activities or outcomes.
The Achievement Awards recognize programs that demonstrate innovation, enhance services to county residents, and operate within budget constraints. Counties submit applications detailing their programs’ goals, implementation and results for consideration by the National Association of Counties.
