Legal Hand Project

Addressing problems before they escalate into legal proceedings.

NYLAG participates in the Legal Hand Project—which brings together community volunteers from New York City neighborhoods—to provide free legal information, assistance, and referrals to local residents. A NYLAG staff attorney is onsite, training and assisting volunteers at Legal Hand’s Crown Heights Brooklyn location.

Legal Hand community volunteers provide assistance in areas of concern, including housing, family matters, immigration, divorce, domestic violence, and public benefits. The goal is to prevent issues community members face from turning into legal actions that can seriously harm vulnerable residents, forcing people out of their homes, separating families, or imposing additional financial burdens.

4,750

people served last year

Services

Volunteers can help with a range of issues including the following:

Applying for, checking eligibility for, or appealing a denial of public benefits
Resolving custody or child support issues and other related matters (including divorce)
Applying for unemployment benefits, resume help, and more
Addressing housing issues (i.e. NYCHA issues, affordable housing, repair issues etc.)
Repairing credit, resolving identity theft, or stopping harassment from debt collectors
Addressing health needs (i.e. health insurance, guardianship, getting care for a sick family member etc.)