Washington, PA – A comprehensive needs assessment study released today by Summit Legal Aid, a western Pennsylvania-based legal aid organization, paints a sobering picture of the challenges facing residents across 14 counties. The report highlights a 12.5 percent increase in cases between 2024-2025 with housing, economic, and family stability sitting at the core of regional needs. The study identifies a rapidly growing justice gap leaving thousands of families on the brink of crisis, as persistent barriers like childcare and transportation turn manageable legal issues into regional challenges.

The key findings reveal a significant demographic shift: in nearly every surveyed county, almost one in four residents is now over the age of 65. This aging population is struggling with fixed incomes and relentless inflation, as well as an increasing susceptibility to fraud, theft, and unfair business practices. Many working households continue to struggle with financial instability due to costs of housing, utilities, food, and healthcare increasing legal vulnerability. Nearly 40% of respondents reported that their household income was near or below the legal aid eligibility threshold, with a third of those polled relying on benefits like SNAP or Medicaid. The report’s data shows that, of the ten counties Summit Legal Aid serves, six have higher poverty levels than the state average, with all but one of the ten having a median income lower than Pennsylvania’s median income.

“This report gives us a very clear picture of the situation on the ground in our region of Pennsylvania and how legal problems often affect people’s stability and overall well-being,” said Brian Gorman, Executive Director of Summit Legal Aid. “Whether it’s an elderly neighbor being exploited or a family unable to pay utilities due to a sudden medical crisis, the need for civil legal aid has never been more urgent. It’s not just a need for services. It’s a regional challenge of isolation and a lack of awareness that these lifelines exist. We are focused on stepping in to ensure that people dealing with complicated legal systems have the necessary representation and tools to protect their rights and stabilize their lives.”

The assessment, produced with the help of 120 partner organizations, found ongoing high demand for support in areas like housing stability, access to benefits, consumer and debt concerns, and elder law.

“We see firsthand the challenges our neighbors go through,” said Mandy Welty Zalich, Chief Executive Officer of Westmoreland Community Action. “The report reflects the harsh reality that too many vulnerable seniors and families with limited incomes face, where one innocent move can snowball into an avalanche of financial and legal problems, such as loss of income, debt, eviction, or even homelessness. We’re grateful to have partners like Summit Legal Aid, so together we can help families get past these legal obstacles, improve their finances, and enhance their overall quality of life.”

Demand for legal aid in the Summit region is escalating, underscoring the financial difficulties faced by many Western Pennsylvanians, further highlighted by a significant 28% rise in homelessness between 2021 and 2024. Obstacles to accessing legal assistance are substantial:

• Lack of Information: Nearly 60% of respondents did not seek aid because they were unaware of where to go.
• Affordability: 47% reported being unable to afford legal services.
• Logistical Issues: More than half of respondents cited transportation and childcare problems as reasons for missing appointments or court dates.

“Legal aid plays a critical role in protecting and helping families facing the threat of domestic violence,” said Megan Hegedus, CEO of Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “The needs assessment report reveals a significant rise in custody and divorce cases essential for safeguarding domestic violence survivors and ensuring secure living environments for children. Our collaboration with Summit Legal Aid empowers survivors to achieve stability and rebuild their lives, ultimately strengthening our communities.”