Grants Allow Legal Services to Provide Free Help

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), the only provider of comprehensive civil legal services to those that cannot afford it in the seven counties of the lower and mid-Hudson Valley, was recently awarded grants by the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region as well as the United Way of Ulster County.

LSHV received an $18,000 award from the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region in support of its Homelessness Prevention and Income Stabilization Services in Dutchess and Orange Counties. This will allow LSHV to provide free civil legal services to so many more of our neighbors facing a housing crisis, such as an unlawful eviction or foreclosure. LSHV also received a $5,000 grant for its Veterans & Military Families Advocacy Project in Dutchess County. This grant will enable LSHV to provide assistance to those who have served our country and are now facing civil legal issues, including housing matters and unlawful denial of the public benefits they have earned through their service.

The United Way of Ulster County generously awarded LSHV a $5,000 grant in support of Homelessness Prevention and Income Stabilization Services for Ulster County Residents. This will help LSHV keep vulnerable Ulster County residents safe in their homes.

“Legal Services of the Hudson Valley handled more than 15,500 cases impacting more than 36,000 people last year across the seven counties of the lower and mid-Hudson Valley. We could not have been able to help so many of our neighbors when they needed us most, without the partnership and support of both United Ways,” said Chief Development Officer, Tom Gabriel.

Celebrating its 50th year, LSHV is the only provider in the Hudson Valley of free, comprehensive, legal services in civil matters (noncriminal) for individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney when their basic human needs are at stake. This includes urgent legal needs such as: domestic violence (orders of protection, child custody, etc.), housing emergencies (eviction and foreclosure prevention), healthcare, children’s law and advocacy, disability and benefits, elder law, consumer fraud and more. In pursuit of this mission, LSHV maintains a staff of 136 individuals, including 82 attorneys and 27 paralegals working across eight offices throughout our service area.