Jobs · Freedom · Justice
Heartland Center for Jobs & Freedom
We create opportunities for workers to learn and exercise their rights, realize their collective power, and develop the leadership skills necessary to advocate for a racially and economically just society.
How can we help you today?
Choose your path to find the resources and free legal help that fit your situation.
Facing eviction?
Our Eviction Defense Team is at the landlord-tenant docket every Thursday. As soon as you receive court papers, reach out — we may be able to help.
Who we are
The Heartland Center for Jobs & Freedom, directed by Gina Chiala, hosts workshops and provides legal services to low-wage workers in the areas of consumer law (such as debt collection abuses), employment law (wage theft, employment discrimination, background check abuses), and landlord-tenant law.
We also provide leadership training to low-wage workers who are leading social justice movements to improve working conditions and the economy.
Justice
We handle employment and consumer cases on behalf of low-wage workers who could not otherwise afford a lawyer.
Worker power
When workers organize together, they have the power to win lasting change at work and in their communities.
Racial & economic justice
Racial equality and good jobs for all are inextricably bound — and critical to the welfare of our whole community.
What we do
Eviction Defense
We attend the landlord-tenant docket every Thursday and help tenants defend their homes.
- Right to Counsel
- Repairs & deposits
- Negotiating with landlords
Wage Theft
We help workers recover unpaid minimum wage, overtime, and stolen tips.
- Unpaid wages
- Off-the-clock work
- Tipped workers
Consumer & Debt
We defend people against abusive debt collectors and unfair collection lawsuits.
- Debt collector harassment
- Being sued over a debt
- Credit report errors
Know Your Rights
We host free, bilingual workshops and train worker leaders across the region.
- Community workshops
- Leadership training
- Self-help guides
Awards & recognition
- Recognized for tenant Right to Counsel work Kansas City
- Community partner in worker justice
Quick resources
Tenant resources
Worker resources
Take action
Our impact
- 731+
- Cases won for workers & tenants
- And counting.
- $1M+
- Recovered in stolen wages
- Every Thursday
- On the eviction docket
- Our team shows up for tenants weekly.
Get Involved
Donate
Your tax-deductible gift helps low-wage workers protect their rights, hold corporations accountable, and build power for racial and economic justice. The Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Donate nowWorker stories
“They helped me recover the wages my employer kept. I didn't think anyone would listen.”
MariaRestaurant worker“When I got eviction papers, the team stood with me in court. I kept my home.”
JamesTenant