We envision communities where poverty is not criminalized, people most impacted lead solutions, and safety is built through dignity, care, and opportunity rather than punishment. Our mission is to advance policy that centers justice by reducing the criminalization of poverty, shrinking the reach of the punishment system, and investing in community-led solutions that address the root causes of harm.

We are a policy and advocacy organization. We do not provide direct services, legal representation, or emergency assistance, although we can try to connect you with such resources! Instead, we work to change laws, systems, and public narratives so communities have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Introduction

We work closely with impacted people to learn about the problems impacting their lives to inform our policy advocacy efforts.
We support and advance policies that:
- Shrink the punishment system & the number of people under carceral control
- Confront false narratives & tell the truth about our justice system
- Advocate for preventative & rehabilitative policies that address the root causes of crime
We aim to build collective power by organizing with impacted people. This includes:
- Supporting leadership development in local communities
- Reducing barriers to engaging with governmental processes
- Information sharing
We believe the people closest to an issue have the best solutions. We want to center those most impacted and bridge the gap between decision-makers and those most affected.