About Us
Who We Are
The People’s Advocate Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to fighting injustice wherever it exists — from housing and credit, to healthcare, education, and beyond.
We stand for the people. Our mission is to elevate the voices of those who have been silenced, overlooked, or shut out of systems that were never built to serve them.
We empower communities to challenge harmful practices, advocate for policy change, and hold powerful institutions accountable.
— Sharlene Sheffield, Founder & CEO
Why We Exist
Too many people are harmed by unfair systems — evicted with no path to redemption, misjudged by secretive credit scores, denied resources due to systemic bias, or simply unheard when they speak up.
These issues aren’t isolated — they are deeply connected. We exist to bridge that gap and fight for justice on all fronts.
“I founded The People’s Advocate Foundation after experiencing firsthand how invisible systems make life-altering decisions without our voice or consent. Our communities deserve better — and we won’t stop until they get it.”
What We Believe
- People deserve dignity, fairness, and a voice in every system
- No one should be punished for experiencing hardship
- Transparency and accountability must exist at every level — from credit to courts to government
- Real change happens when communities unite and demand it