68,000+
FAMILIES
SERVED
FAMILIES
SERVED
About
We partner with low-income and working people to build economic and racial equity. We do this by confronting economic abuse and investing in community wealth — using legal, economic, and advocacy tools to challenge unjust systems.
In April 2020, two Colorado lawyers — Zach Neumann and Sam Gilman — posted on Facebook asking who needed help with eviction. Within weeks, thousands responded.
What started as an all-volunteer community organizing effort during the pandemic has grown into a team of nearly 200 people serving 68,000 Coloradans across 59 counties, distributing more than $280 million in emergency assistance.
Based on client feedback, CEDP built a model that gives people facing crisis a single point of contact — integrating intake, navigation, rapid financial aid, legal defense, and rehousing support. A financial emergency room.
Eviction and debt defense attorney. Nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and lecturer in law and policy at the University of Colorado. In March 2020, his Facebook post offering free legal help received hundreds of responses overnight — the crystalizing moment that launched CEDP.
“CEDP runs a financial emergency room. When someone comes to us in crisis, we meet them exactly where they are and stay with them through the solution. That's really what economic defense is about — a single point of entry, meeting a family where they are.”
Founded as COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project. All-volunteer effort serves first clients facing pandemic evictions.
Team grows to 50+. Serves 31,000 people and distributes $100 million in rental assistance during the pandemic.
Passes Towing Bill of Rights and mobile home protections. Rebrands as Community Economic Defense Project. Cited by White House.
Launches foreclosure, debt collection, and disaster response programs. Expands to 54 counties. Team grows to 123.
68,000+ served. $280M+ distributed. Fair Housing Unit established. $840K federal funding for Just Bus. Nearly 200 team members.
Your $1,000 donation can keep a family housed for three months PH. Every dollar goes directly to defending Colorado communities.
How your donation is used, tax deductibility, recurring gifts, and more
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