Provider of free legal assistance to Essex County, NJ's low income residents in civil cases
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One With The Community
Since 1966, ENLS has been the principal source in Essex County for low-income people in need of free legal assistance on civil law matters.
Our mission is to deliver effective legal assistance on the most critical issues affecting Essex-County's low income residents and in a manner that advances client and community empowerment.
To carry out its mission, ENLS is divided into units staffed by specialists. The units are Housing, Government Benefits, Healthcare Access, Consumer, and Family.
Located in downtown Newark, its offices are mass transit and handicap accessible. Staff includes French, French-Creole, Portuguese and Spanish language speakers and language line is also used.
Our Work
The types of cases that most often affect Essex County low-income residents, include:
Housing
Eviction defense, illegal lockouts, utility shutoffs, rental assistance programs and home foreclosures.
Public Assistance Benefits
Welfare cash assistance, food stamps and unemployment benefits appeals, Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD) appeals.
Family Law
Domestic violence restraining orders, child support, child custody, legal guardianship and other family law matters, including guardianships, advance medical directives and powers of attorney.
Consumer
Debt collection defense, wage garnishments, bank levies and bankruptcy relief.
Special Projects
Domestic Violence Representation Project
Working with the Essex County Family Justice Center, ENLS provides legal advice and representation to survivors of domestic violence who seek restraining orders to protect themselves and their families from further abuse. We also help undocumented immigrant victims of domestic violence or human trafficking and who are eligible for "U" or "T" visas.
Homelessness Service Unit
Provides referrals to safety net services including firm referrals to emergency shelter, food pantries, clothing banks etc. and other basic needs providers.
Elder
Provides legal advice assistance to persons aged sixty and older, in civil law matters, including Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, Guardianships and Wills.
Re-Entry Opportunity Project
Provides legal assistance with preparation and filing of petitions for expungement of criminal records.
Health Care Access Project
Provides legal assistance concerning eligibility and legal rights for Medicaid, Medicare and other health insurance programs. This includes where necessary representation in appeals such as Fair Hearings and Grievances.
Veterans Assistance
Provides low-income veterans with legal assistance to address civil legal issues that impact their health, income, housing and family stability.
Contact
ESSEX-NEWARK LEGAL SERVICES
5 Commerce Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
