Partners in Environmental Justice: Working Together for More Equitable Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Noxious fumes and noise invade homes on a regular basis. Abandoned or illegally dumped cars line the streets. Oil cans are strewn everywhere and stain the sidewalks. And tires, trash and debris are everywhere. For many low-income communities of color in Southwest Philadelphia, sharing a block with illegally operated auto body shops is the norm.

The Public Interest Law Center uses high-impact legal strategies to support Philadelphia communities facing discrimination, inequality, and poverty. The Law Center observed that the high concentration of auto body shops in residential areas was creating a host of environmental hazards. At the same time, our environmental team at Hausfeld was exploring ways to partner with nonprofits to make a difference in our local communities. So we teamed up and got to work.