CARES Program: Connecting Angelenos to 
Resources and Essential Services

Public Counsel’s CARES program is a pro bono initiative that empowers attorneys, law students, and other volunteers to provide direct advocacy for low-income and unhoused individuals navigating the public benefits system. Since its launch 30 years ago, CARES has been a critical resource for helping Angelenos secure the support they need to survive and thrive.

What CARES Volunteers Do

Under the guidance of Public Counsel staff, CARES volunteers provide in-person advocacy at Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) offices, assisting individuals with:

✔ General Relief & CalWORKs (cash aid)
✔ Medi-Cal (health coverage)
✔ CalFresh (food assistance)

By volunteering with CARES, you will:

• Provide hands-on legal support to community members facing systemic barriers
• Gain insight into the realities of homelessness and economic insecurity in Los Angeles
• Develop valuable advocacy skills while helping people overcome barriers to accessing critical benefits.

What to Expect as a CARES Volunteer

Join us for one of our CARES outings. Each volunteer opportunity includes:

• A one-hour virtual training the week prior to your outing
• A two-hour in-person advocacy opportunity at a DPSS office (groups are limited to 6 participants per outing)

Sign Up Here!

If you are a law firm, attorney, law student, or other volunteer interested in participating in a CARES training and outing, please complete the interest form below and we will reach out with more information: