Test Asylum Law6

Homeless Experience Legal Protection (H.E.L.P.) at the  Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless

The Needs We Serve

In each city where we work, H.E.L.P. partners with organizations that provide other services to the homeless population. Working with a local shelter, H.E.L.P. establishes a regularly scheduled clinic to offer free legal services to homeless individuals, provided by volunteer attorneys from firms around the city. H.E.L.P. clients often have many of the same types of legal issues that any other individual might encounter, but they lack access to the justice system simply because they have no attorney to advocate for them.

In many cases, the problem that is preventing the individual from applying for a job, seeking benefits to which he or she is entitled, or obtaining housing is something that a lawyer is able to resolve in a matter of hours, or by making a few simple telephone calls. Other cases are more complicated and require follow up representation, but in most instances the individual’s legal problem is resolved, and what had been a major obstacle in their lives is no longer a problem.

In addition to legal representation, H.E.L.P. involves law students, paralegals, and law firm secretaries who volunteer their time, skills, and services to assist the homeless. Law students assist clients in applying for social security or veteran’s benefits by helping them to complete the application forms, obtaining required medical records and other documents, and accompanying clients to the agency office to complete the process. Paralegals and secretaries not only assist the volunteer attorneys, but also provide notary services to certify copies of driver licenses, identification cards, and other important documents.

In cities throughout the country, there are amazing organizations dedicated to helping the homeless every single day. They provide shelter and food, of course, but they also provide so much more: job training and placement services, clothing, counseling, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, transportation to work or school, schooling and child care. They provide a lifeline of security in a harsh and often unfriendly world. The individuals who operate these organizations are not just administrators. They are friends, counselors, parents, protectors and encouragers. H.E.L.P. salutes their selfless dedication, and is grateful for their partnership with us. Please click on the city links to learn more about the service providers with whom we work.

Issues H.E.L.P. Addresses

• Identification documents

HELP began its outreach by helping homeless individuals maintain valid identification documents. Because identification is essential for the homeless to access services like shelters and non-emergency hospital care, this service continues to be an important part of the assistance that H.E.L.P. volunteers provide.

Homeless individuals’ identification documents are often stolen, lost, or taken by the police during an arrest, and many have trouble navigating document replacement processes that can take up to 30 days. Working with H.E.L.P. volunteers speeds up the process dramatically, allowing these individuals to utilize important social services. Certified copies of their identification documents are maintained at the shelter so that if the original is lost, a certified copy is readily available.

• Child Custody Issues

• Child Support Issues

• Creditor/Debtor Law

• Disability Law

• Driver License Suspensions

• Government Benefits

• Immigration Law

• Housing Issues

• Landlord/Tenant Law

• Minor criminal and traffic violations