Open Hands Legal Services Inc.

Open Hands Legal Services Inc. is a non-profit organization focused on providing free legal services to low-income and homeless individuals in New York City. The organization addresses a range of legal issues, primarily focusing on housing law, employment law, reentry, and child support matters[2].

Mission and Approach

Open Hands strives to break down legal barriers that hinder the success of disadvantaged communities. Rather than requiring clients to seek out services, the organization takes a proactive approach by setting up mobile legal aid desks at various community-based organizations such as soup kitchens and shelters. This approach helps overcome obstacles related to lack of information, geographic location, and health or mobility concerns[1][2].

Partnerships and Locations

Open Hands Legal Services partners with several non-profit organizations across New York City to deliver its services. Some of its key partner locations include:

• All Angels' Episcopal Church
• Bowery Mission Men's Center
• Bowery Mission Tribeca Campus
• Bowery Mission Women's Center
• City Relief
• Exodus Transitional Community Center
• Father's Heart Ministries
• New Life Community Development Corporation
• Partnership for the Homeless
• Prison Fellowship
• Restore
• The Open Door of NJNY
• The Salvation Army
• Viva Uptown[1][5].

Programs

• Legal Aid Desks: These provide on-site legal assistance and advocacy in civil legal matters, including family, housing, and employment law[5].
• Know Your Rights Seminars: The organization hosts seminars to inform and equip low-income and homeless individuals with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities[5].

Team and Impact

The organization is led by a team of dedicated individuals, including the Legal Director Avril Roberts, who specializes in immigration law, and Christopher Mount, a staff attorney focusing on housing and landlord-tenant matters[5]. Open Hands Legal Services serves approximately 900 low-income New Yorkers annually across its partner locations[5].

[1] https://www.openhandslegalservices.org [2] https://www.lawhelpny.org/organization/open-hands-legal-services-inc [3] https://www.christianlegalsociety.org/clinic/open-hands-legal-services-inc/ [4] https://www.openhandslegalservices.org/how-to-get-help [5] https://www.openhandslegalservices.org/about