Safe Exit

AVLF

Free Legal Support for Atlanta Families

A Voice Against Neglect

Stories of Impact

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  • Three people, two younger men and an older woman, stand close together smiling in front of a colorful painting on a white wall. The man in the middle has his arms around the others.

    A Chance to Move Forward

    With help from an AVLF attorney, Marcus was able to challenge the writ of possession.

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  • A smiling woman with glasses and a headband sits on grass while a young girl with colorful beads in her braids hugs her from behind. Both appear happy and relaxed outdoors.

    When Standing Up Made a Difference

    When Elena’s case reached the appeals process, AVLF helped her take the next step.

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  • A woman with short curly hair sits indoors, holding glasses in one hand and smiling gently. She wears a green jacket over a white top and a necklace, with shelves and a plant in the background.

    One Emergency Filing Changed Her Future

    A writ of possession was already filed. AVLF stepped in and helped Sandra walk away debt-free.

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  • A smiling man with short hair and a gray beard wears a tropical shirt while standing outside in bright sunlight, surrounded by green foliage.

    Prepared, Protected, and Free to Move On

    When David faced over $7,300 in back rent and no legal help, AVLF made sure he didn't stand alone.

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  • A woman with curly hair stands between two white banisters in a stylish room with dark walls, circular mirrors, and a decorative gold animal figure visible behind her. She is wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.

    A Home Worth Fighting For

    For months, she lived in conditions her landlord had promised a court to fix. Then she found AVLF.

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  • A woman in athletic wear sits on indoor stairs, tying her black sneakers. She is wearing a white top, black leggings, and sunglasses resting on her head. The setting appears to be a well-lit home interior.

    Repair Neglect to Meaningful Resolution

    A tenant endured unaddressed repairs until HCAC stepped in and secured help.

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  • An empty office space with several desks, computers, office chairs, and monitors. Artwork decorates the walls, and natural light comes through windows with blinds. The room appears organized and tidy.

    One Step at a Time Toward Safety

    Ms. Henderson came to the Safe Families Office after being attacked, and found a new way forward.

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  • A smiling woman in a green striped shirt and jeans stands with her arm around a young boy in a white shirt and black pants. The boy stands with one foot on a soccer ball. They are outside on a paved area near a building.

    From Abuse to Safety and Security

    Sierra came to the Safe Families Office as a last resort and she wasn’t sure what to do.

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  • A woman with red hair, wearing a blue and white patterned blouse and jeans, smiles while standing outdoors, leaning with outstretched arms against a wooden post and brick wall. The background shows a covered walkway and grass.

    Finding Freedom and Peace

    After years of abuse, Marisol turned to AVLF for safety, legal support, and a chance to rebuild.

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  • A woman with hoop earrings and sunglasses on her head smiles brightly outdoors. She is wearing a brown sleeveless top and standing in front of a fan, with blurred buildings and greenery in the background.

    Reclaiming Safety and Hope

    With AVLF's help Katee found stability after overcoming abuse and homelessness.

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  • A young person with long blond hair, wearing a white t-shirt, stands outdoors on grass with hands pressed together in front of their chest, looking at the camera. Trees and a fence are in the background.

    A Court Victory Against Wrongful Claims

    When faced with wrongful charges, Jay found support at AVLF’s Housing Court Assistance Center.

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  • Modern apartment building with orange siding and gray trim, featuring balconies with metal railings and large windows. Green trees are in front of the building and the sky is clear and blue.

    A Major Win for Housing Court Assistance Center

    With the right support, tenants can clear barriers and reclaim their path to stability.

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  • A woman and a young child play with toy animals at a wooden table. The woman is smiling, and both have dark braided hair. A potted plant and framed artwork are visible in the background.

    A Voice Against Neglect

    With AVLF’s help, Chas stood up for safe housing and the dignity her family deserved.

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  • A young woman with natural curly hair, wearing a black sleeveless top, stands outdoors and smiles confidently at the camera. The background is blurred with hints of modern buildings.

    Finding Strength Through Support

    She faced eviction and no heat until AVLF helped her fight back and win over $4,000 in court.

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  • Older Black Man

    Another Battle, Same Strength

    When Walter faced eviction, AVLF’s Housing Court Assistance Center helped him win his case.

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  • Black Woman Headshot

    A Fresh Start, A New Future

    Toni came to Georgia for a fresh start—and with AVLF’s support, she began to rebuild her life

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  • A man with a beard and a bright smile sits on a wooden bench in a garden. He wears a pink shirt and blue pants. Behind him, green bushes and pink flowers are visible, creating a colorful and serene backdrop.

    Another Illegal Eviction Averted

    John’s health required surgeries and home care, but unsafe conditions stopped nurses from visiting.

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  • Four people stand against a white wall. An older woman in a white shirt holds a document. The man on the left wears a navy shirt, and the two people on the right wear a black jacket with a yellow skirt and a maroon sweater, respectively. They all smile.

    From Housing Crisis to Triumph

    In August 2023, AVLF's advocacy helped Carmen avoid eviction, stay housed, and secure her future.

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  • A woman and young child, both wearing black leather jackets, smile outdoors in a park. The woman is crouching and holding the child, who looks excited. They are surrounded by green foliage and trees.

    Nowhere to Turn

    When Connie* was forced to flee her ex-partner, she and her two children had no where else to turn.

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  • A woman with long, straight, reddish-brown hair, wearing a blue button-up shirt and a black waist belt, is smiling outdoors. A brick wall and green bushes can be seen in the background.

    When Strangers Move Into Your Home

    Imagine coming home to find strangers inside. For Nadia and her four kids, this was their reality.

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  • Smiling person with short curly hair wearing a light-colored long-sleeved top and skirt stands against a beige background.

    Winning Against The Odds

    Rather than fixing Mrs. J’s severe pest infestation, the landlord moved to evict her over unpaid ren

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  • A woman with short gray hair and glasses, wearing a bright yellow jacket, smiles while seated at an outdoor table. Behind her is a scenic view of hills, trees, and a cityscape under a clear blue sky.

    They Wanted Me to Give Up

    Ms. Nelson shares her experience in unsafe housing—and how Standing with Our Neighbors helped her.

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  • A smiling woman stands between two boys. She's wearing a blue quilted jacket over a red blouse with a beaded necklace. Both boys wear matching blue shirts and silver pendants. They are all posing in front of a plain, light-colored wall.

    Courage for My Twin Boys

    Natalie knew she couldn’t stay in that environment with twin boys. She just wanted better for them.

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  • A person with long hair tied back smiles confidently, standing with arms crossed in a park. They wear a light, flowy top. Trees and buildings are visible in the background on a sunny day.

    Lighthouse in the Storm

    After 17 years of marriage, Lianna woke up knowing her life—and her children’s—were truly in danger.

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  • An elderly woman with curly gray hair and a white sweater cooks in a kitchen, stirring a pot on the stove with a wooden spoon. The kitchen has a tiled wall and wooden cabinets in the background.

    Paying Rent for an Uninhabitable Home

    The Housing Authority came out to inspect the property multiple times. They suggested that she move.

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