How do you start a citizens advice bureau?

Question

These are common in Britain, I know they also have them in Germany. I am in the US and am interested in starting one.

Answer 1

Well I would advise first to contact the CABs in the UK and ask for their guidance. Have you visited their sites?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_Advice_Bureau
http://www.cab.org.nz/contact/index.html

I'm sure they would love to give you advise on the issue (considering they are the "advice" bureau, har har).

You'll run into funding issues, the CABs in the UK are funded largely in part by local and government organizations, here in the US that will be less likely to happen.
Do you have a law degree or do you know of lawyers here who are willing to offer their services pro-bono for this cause?
This a monumental task to undertake, but I will not discourage you from taking the first steps. Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

Yes CAB can definitely help you negotiate with your creditors and devise a payment plan to make the debts more manageable.