Watsonville Law Center plans to expand its physical footprint into Salinas

The Watsonville Law Center has provided free legal services for over 25 years on issues including immigration, labor and housing, serving low-income families in the tri-county area of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties.

“Watsonville, in our name, does not mean that that’s the only service area,” Executive Director Adriana Melgoza says.

Nearly 50 percent of clients come from Monterey County, leading the nonprofit to consider opening a satellite office for a couple of years. Now, the organization is actively searching for an office in Salinas to get closer to its clients and provide them with a space where they feel comfortable to ask questions and discuss their cases.

Leaders also plan to hire up to five employees including two attorneys and a community engagement coordinator. The new office could be open as early as July.

Currently, staff regularly hold clinics in Monterey County but say those are not enough to keep up with the demand. The nonprofit offers walk-in appointments twice a week in its Watsonville office, and up to 150 people show up for those weekly. Demand for services spiked since President Donald Trump was re-elected, Melgoza says. To keep up with the demand, they hired more employees, going from 10 to 16 staffers.

“We’re non-federally funded, so we’re able to serve our community regardless of immigration status,” Melgoza adds.

The Watsonville Law Center is open to partnering with other organizations and potentially sharing a space. “We know that doing a holistic approach to care for a community member is the best way to make sure the services are maximized,” Melgoza adds.