Dear Friend,
I am honored to take over the leadership of Uptown People’s Law Center from Alan Mills. Alan and I have worked together over the years, fighting housing discrimination and gentrification in Uptown, supporting Uptown youth targeted by the police, and striving for a more equitable society. His legacy is firmly cemented as a passionate advocate for the rights of people in prisons and as a community lawyer in Uptown.
A little about me—I come with a deep background in housing and civil rights litigation, policy advocacy, and community lawyering. Prior to joining UPLC, I led the advocacy team at the Shriver Center, served as associate director of litigation at the National Housing Law Project, and led First Defense Legal Aid. I believe that systems change comes from working with impacted communities and people. UPLC embodies those beliefs.
I am excited to work with the dedicated UPLC staff to continue to grow UPLC’s commitment to racial and economic justice and human rights.
In this short time, I have already witnessed UPLC’s dedication in action:
The prison team is preparing for the April 2025 federal court trial in Ross v. Gossett, which challenges the dehumanizing and unlawful shakedowns of prisoners by prison tactical teams.
The housing team is challenging discriminatory landlord screening policies that automatically deny someone housing based upon their criminal record. Being a leader in challenging these screening policies directly supports clients as they exit prisons, and ensures that they have a fair chance at housing.
The Social Security team operates the In-Reach Program, which helps disabled people who will soon be released from prison receive Social Security benefits. This program substantially improves the lives of persons with disabilities by ensuring that they have a stable source of income when they leave prison.
The development and operations teams support all these efforts, creating a welcoming environment for staff and clients.
I look forward to connecting with you.
In solidarity,
Kate
