In a state where almost half a million residents live under the poverty line, New Mexico Legal Aid strives to maintain a high level of service to promote family and economic stability. For every 14,000 poor persons, there is one legal aid attorney at NMLA. We dedicate our work to individuals and families who have depleted resources for basic human needs, ultimately securing safe housing, food, income, and personal safety. We are proud and grateful for the opportunities to work alongside our colleagues and community partners to help alleviate poverty in New Mexico. Our Vision New Mexico Legal Aid is a civil legal advocacy organization dedicated to opening the door to equal access to justice for all disenfranchised and low-income people and communities throughout New Mexico by providing outreach, training, education, and quality representation. Our Mission The mission of New Mexico Legal Aid, Inc. (NMLA) is to be the voice, defender, and advocate for poor people who are seeking justice in all forums, particularly in the communities in which they live. NMLA is committed to helping poor people in their struggle to access food, shelter, security, and to preserve their unique cultural heritages. What Is Legal Aid? Legal aid programs help people who live in households with annual incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Clients represent every ethnic and age group and live in rural, suburban, and urban areas. They are the working poor, veterans, families with children, farmers and migrant workers, people with disabilities, homeowners, renters, and the elderly. Legal assistance is necessary for addressing many issues that affect low-income individuals and families, including: Access to Benefits Consumer Rights Employment and Income Maintenance Family Law and Domestic Violence Landlord/ Tenant and other housing issues