Washington, DC — Today, Legal Aid DC, in partnership with the DC Bar Foundation, announced the official launch of the DC Resource Bridge, a one-stop service that makes it easier for District residents to access free or low-cost civil legal help. Built in collaboration with a wide network of legal service providers, the DC Resource Bridge is designed to make access to justice simpler, fairer, and more effective.  

With a single phone call to 202-933-HELP (4357), DC residents no longer have to make dozens of calls or guess where to turn for legal help. The DC Resource Bridge streamlines the process by connecting people directly to the organization best able to serve them, cutting through barriers and confusion.

“Too many of our neighbors have faced overwhelming barriers to justice simply because the legal system is hard to navigate,” said Kirra Jarratt, CEO of the DC Bar Foundation. “The DC Resource Bridge is the result of years of collaboration across the legal services community. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that every resident can find the help they need.”

At launch, the DC Resource Bridge will help residents resolve urgent civil legal issues in family law matters, problems with public benefits, consumer debt and foreclosure, and cases in the DC Court of Appeals. In the coming months, the DC Resource Bridge will expand to provide referrals in additional areas of law.

“Legal Aid is proud to launch the DC Resource Bridge, so people can get connected to the help they need without going from organization to organization,” said Vikram Swaruup, Executive Director of Legal Aid DC. “This is an important step toward closing the access to justice gap in the District.”

Navigators — professionals with training specific to DC’s legal landscape—are at the heart of this initiative. They manage intake and referrals, answer calls with empathy, and ensure residents receive timely updates and connections. Supported by a coalition of DC’s expert legal service providers, Navigators will connect residents with the right organization to address their needs.

“Our Navigators are guides and listeners, and they bring respect and compassion to every interaction.” said Amy Mix, Director of the DC Resource Bridge. “We know how stressful legal problems can be. The DC Resource Bridge was designed to make this part of the process a little easier, so callers feel confident they can quickly get the support they need.”

The DC Resource Bridge was designed and developed by the DC Bar Foundation with input from DC residents, legal services providers, community partners, and local government. Legal Aid DC will host and manage the DC Resource Bridge, working closely with more than 50 partner organizations to ensure it remains a trusted, effective resource for the community.

Looking ahead, the DC Resource Bridge will also have a space in Southeast DC beginning in 2026, as part of Legal Aid DC’s expansion in Anacostia. This new location will provide residents with another trusted, in-person resource for accessing legal help in their own community.

To access the DC Resource Bridge, call 202-933-HELP (4357). For more information, visit DCResourceBridge.org.

About Legal Aid  

Legal Aid DC is the District’s oldest and largest general civil legal services organization. Legal Aid provides free legal services to low-income DC residents on issues including housing, domestic violence and family law, public benefits, consumer law, and immigration. Through its Systemic Advocacy & Law Reform program, Legal Aid advocates for policy changes and pursues affirmative litigation that benefits its wider client community.  

About the DC Bar Foundation

The DC Bar Foundation is the leading funder of civil legal aid in the District of Columbia and is committed to the vision that residents of the District have equal access to justice, regardless of income. Its mission is to fund, support, and improve legal representation of people who are financially disenfranchised or who are otherwise underserved in the District of Columbia.

​The Bar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was established in 1977 to provide a vehicle for lawyers and law firms to contribute to legal services organizations in the District of Columbia. In 1985, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals established the District’s IOLTA program, which the Foundation administers. In 2006, the Council of the District of Columbia appropriated funds for civil legal services grants and a poverty lawyer loan repayment assistance program, designating the DC Bar Foundation as administrator.

​The Bar Foundation awards grants to the District’s legal services organizations that provide free civil legal services to low-income and underserved people in the District. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $208 million in grants.

Media Contact: Evelyn Rupert  
Communications Director, Legal Aid DC    
media@legalaiddc.org