Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), thanked State Lawmakers for their continued support in the recently passed State Budget and for recognizing the growing need for civil legal services in our communities.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins joined LSHV to announce the over $2.6 million allocated in various contracts throughout the Hudson Valley in the recently enacted State Budget to provide free civil legal services.
The list of NYS funding:
- Disability Advocacy Project (DAP) – $558,493
- Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) – $642,000/year for three years
- Legal Services Assistance Fund (LSAF) – $151,667
- AIDS Institute – $288,305
- OCFS Kinship Legal Project – $92,400
- Westchester Eviction Prevention and Kinship Project – $400,000
- Rockland Domestic Violence Project – $90,000
- Veterans and Military Families Project – $380,000 ($50,000 increase for Westchester/Putnam)
LSHV is grateful to the State lawmakers who have recognized the critical need for civil legal services. Rachel Halperin, CEO, LSHV thanked those present and stated: “Our representatives have a deep understanding of the important role civil legal services played during the pandemic and the essential role it will play in our region’s recovery.” This funding from the State comes at a critical time as we face mounting need and support families in recovering from the past year. COVID hit the most vulnerable among us the hardest. Rachel continued: “By funding Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, our elected officials have shown that equal access to justice is a cornerstone of our democracy and our society. It is a wise investment in our communities and it puts people first.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins announced: “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted, more than ever before, the need for free legal services for low income residents. We thank the hardworking team of attorneys and staff at Legal Services for their commitment to ensuring more Hudson Valley residents have access to fair legal representation. The funding secured in the budget will help Legal Services continue to fight for our most vulnerable.”
Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am so pleased our enacted NYS budget provides much needed funding to Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV). Too often low-income residents are in court fighting to maintain housing or secure benefits, and they must do so without representation and the knowledge and protection of their rights that representation provides. As we rebuild from the pandemic, LSHV’s services will be more important than ever. I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues for recognizing its importance.”
Individuals living paycheck to paycheck were unable to keep up and are now facing evictions, foreclosures, loss of benefits and health issues like never before. These funds will allow us to provide free civil legal services to the individuals living in crisis within our community. It supports the work we do with individuals and families who are disabled, living with AIDS, LGBTQ, veterans and military families. It supports individuals and families facing eviction, foreclosure, fighting for rights and protections in family court, and survivors of domestic violence. Overall, the funding supports LSHV’s ongoing effort to seek legal equity throughout our region for all individuals. We recognize the tireless commitment of our NYS elected officials to those in greatest need and are grateful to them for securing this funding.
Assemblymember Chris Burdick: Spoke highly of LSHV saying, “Since taking office in January, my staff and I have witnessed the enormous help Legal Services of the Hudson Valley provides for residents in my district and beyond. I’m so grateful that together with my colleagues in the Assembly and my friends in the Senate, we were able to secure funding for LSHV. I’m especially pleased that I could play a part in securing special funding to extend LSHV’s support services for veterans into Putnam and Westchester Counties. LSHV truly provides a lifeline to those most in need, and I look forward to our continued work together.”
“I applaud Legal Services of the Hudson Valley for providing many of my constituents with critically needed legal assistance as the pandemic hit the most vulnerable in Yonkers,” said Assemblyman Nader Sayegh (D-Yonkers) “I supported providing $2.6 million in the State Budget for Legal Services of the Hudson Valley because the pandemic leaves so many living in crisis in Yonkers who desperately need legal services.”
“Without Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, I could be homeless, on the street with no place to go. Legal Services does a job not all can do. There are so many people, just like myself, that could never afford to pay for an attorney to represent them and have nowhere else to turn. I am forever grateful,” said LSHV client Renee Campbell.
There is no right to counsel in civil matters, and it is a fact that those who go to court with legal representation fare much better than those without – we are grateful to the State Lawmakers and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for their support of our programs and recognizing the importance of civil legal services as a solution to those suffering from the impact of COVID.
LSHV Board Vice President, Fran Pantaleo spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors, “Legal Services of the Hudson Valley staff go above and beyond to provide necessary civil services to our community every day. I’m proud that NYS Lawmakers recognized this need and were able to successfully secure over $2.6 Million for our region. Because of this support, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley will be able to continue to protect basic human needs like housing, health care access, disability benefits and other critical legal matters throughout the Hudson Valley. We are so grateful to our elected officials for their support of our services and providing this lifeline for so many individuals and families.”
Assemblymember Thomas J. Abinanti: “The size of your bank account should not determine whether you get justice. Representation by a lawyer is often the difference between winning or losing – even when you are right. Legal Services of the Hudson Valley has proved they will protect the rights of Hudson Valley residents who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer.”
Assemblymember Amy Paulin: “Thank you Legal Services of the Hudson Valley for your continued work in providing free civil legal services and access to justice for low income members of our community. Now more than ever, as those in our community with low-incomes struggle to keep their jobs, stay in their homes, and provide basic necessities for their families, the need for civil legal assistance to individuals and families in our community is critical. Adequate funding for legal aid is necessary to effectively protect the legal interests of our community’s low-income residents.”
For more information about Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, contribute or volunteer, please visit www.lshv.org.
