ABOUT US

Just Neighbors is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to serving and supporting the immigrant community of Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. We foster mutual understanding between immigrants and the larger community in which they live.

Mission

To provide high-quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, asylees and refugees in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia; and, to build community among clients, staff, volunteers and the larger society through education, advocacy, and volunteerism.

Vision

All immigrants in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia are able to live with dignity and full membership in the community.

History of & Dedication to Providing Legal Assistance

Just Neighbors was founded in 1996 by pastors and attorneys of the United Methodist Church to develop a practical response to the legal challenges that low-income immigrants face in the United States. The organization set out to provide accurate and reliable information and services to the immigrant community. The founders of Just Neighbors recognized the need to assist immigrants of all faiths and nationalities and to treat immigrants with compassion and hospitality.

In 1996, Just Neighbors opened the doors of its main office in Falls Church, Virginia. Two years later, a second office in Herndon, Virginia, was established to provide immigration legal services to the growing immigrant population in western Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County. In 2000, the organization moved its office to Arlington United Methodist Church and then later in September 2008, Just Neighbors moved its location in Falls Church. In 2017, Just Neighbors moved into its current office in Annandale, Virginia.

In 2019, Just Neighbors began providing legal services in some rural areas of Virginia including the Eastern Shore, Harrisonburg, Winchester, Waynesboro, Lynchburg, and Warrenton. In 2020, Just Neighbors merged with DC/MD Justice For Our Neighbors and now also serves Washington DC and Maryland.

Since its inception, Just Neighbors has partnered with other nonprofit organizations, community volunteers, local faith-based groups, and pro bono lawyers that provide services to immigrants. Through its direct and collaborative efforts, Just Neighbors has helped to empower clients and educate the community about current immigration laws and policies.