Florida Justice Institute (FJI)

Today, we unveiled a new FJI logo and website to launch the next phase of the Florida Justice Institute that builds on our incredible 45-year legacy. As we continue to work on behalf of our most vulnerable Floridians, you can support our #45for45 campaign by pledging to contribute $45 per month for the next 45 months. Your support fuels our fight for transformative change. Follow this link to give to FJI today: https://fji.law/donate/ #cjreform #affordablehousing #disabilityaccess #decriminalizepoverty

Wishing you a joyous holiday season from FJI!🎄✨️ #happyholidays #FJI

Here at FJI we believe that every human being deserves the dignity of a life with peace and joy. 🌟 For many, that means being surrounded by family. Our friend and client, Willie White was estranged from his family for over 20 years. FJI attorney, Ray Taseff, found him living unhoused, severely malnourished and hurting from multiple medical needs. The police had arrested him multiple times for panhandling and never once did they check to see if he had family, if he was eligible for assistance or benefits. Our team challenged the law that allowed them to arrest Willie. We also found his family. Willie had worked for many years and had earned social security retirement benefits that he had never claimed. Pictured from left to right are: Michelle Llosa, FJI Community Engagement Paralegal, Ray Taseff, FJI senior attorney, Willie White, Willie’s brother Travis, and his sister in law Nikki. We are reminded this holiday season that the gift of each other’s hope and compassion is truly all we need. Let’s spread that today and every day. Happy Holidays from your FJI team! #compassion #socialgood #communitysupport

Our office is closed to focus on our important work. Wishing you a happy holiday season. We'll see you in 2025!🌟☺️ #FJI #socialgood #2025 #happyholidays

The veto for complimentary phone calls in prisons is discouraging for those who are currently incarcerated. These proposed laws seek to diminish recidivism, facilitate reintegration into society, and alleviate the economic strain on the families of those behind bars. Legislation promoting these improvements successfully passed through the legislature with widespread bipartisan backing, focusing on assisting currently incarcerated people in their transition back into the community after completing their sentences. To read more, click here:https://lnkd.in/dTb83qPh - #humanrights #justice #socialjustice

Jeff Bezos’ foundation donated $5 million to the Coalition for Homeless in Florida. The coalition is dedicated to providing living necessities to Florida’s most vulnerable population, specifically shelter and providing programs for unhoused people. Trinette Nation, a member of the coalition, told Wesh 2 News reporter Dave McDaniel, "We are in the middle of an affordable housing crisis," and being able to provide these programs and services is huge for this community." This donation comes after an active hurricane season, which left thousands of unhoused Floridians with little shelter and resources. Read the full story:https://lnkd.in/gnEbsp2a #lowincome #affordablehousing #basicneeds

Housing in Florida is becoming an increasing problem for many residents. Daily factors such as the cost of living, rising homeowners insurance, and other basic needs put Floridians at risk of living below the poverty line. No person should have to decide between shelter and other necessities. Affordable housing is not just about meeting a basic need; it’s about fostering opportunity, equity, and resilience in these communities. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gevwPXQk #lowincomehousing #affordable housing #basicnecessities

ICYMI: In September, our colleagues at Disability Rights Florida signed onto the End Subminimum Wage Coalition Letter to Congress. This legislation enables "employers to provide good, cost-effective jobs for people with disabilities, thereby increasing disabled people's participation in the workforce and financial independence. To read the full release, follow the link here: https://lnkd.in/gH_JwfSh #minimumwage #disabilityrights #florida

How a Pine Hills affordable housing complex helped part of the community: the development, of Hawthorne Park, has helped provide affordable housing options while reducing crime in the nearby community. A resident speaks up about the need for affordable housing in Orlando, claiming the deficit is why there are "so many people out there who are homeless,” ...“You have to have two or three incomes just to make it.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gXbedwvS #afforablehousing #housingcrisis #pinehills

DeSantis veto of free prison phone call appropriation disappoints criminal justice reform advocates: ⁠ “If you want somebody to be successful, you have to keep them connected to their families or their loved ones. Because when you get out, it’s really, really hard" said Karen Stuckley, wife and mother to two people in prison.⁠ Read more with the link here: https://lnkd.in/g5ReYj-M #prisonreform #humanrights #socialjustice