Open Hands Legal Services is an all-access civil legal aid organization. We will provide you with free and full access to an attorney, regardless of legal matter presented, age, criminal history, neighborhood or immigration status.

How to find us

Find us at any of our upcoming mobile legal aid desks. 

Father's Heart Ministries

  • 545 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10009
  • Next date: Saturday, September 8, 2018, 10:00 am-11:00 am
  • Walk in -no appointment needed

Rescue Alliance

  • Annually as scheduled

Relief Bus

  • Corner of East 124th Street and Park Avenue
  • Next date: Saturday, August 18, 2018 10:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Walk in -no appointment needed

The New York City Rescue Mission *

  • 90 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10013
  • Next date: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 5:30 pm-8:00 pm
  • By appointment only. Please call 212-226-6214 X 126 to schedule  an appointment or for more information

The Open Door of NY/NJ

  • 150 West 83rd Street, New York 10024
  • Next date: TBD
  • Limited to residents

 

All Angels' Episcopal Church

  • 251 West 80th Street, New York, NY 10024
  • Next date: Sunday, September 16, 4:00 pm-6:30 pm
  • Walk in -no appointment needed

Bowery Mission Men's Center

  • 227 Bowery, New York, NY
  • Next date: To be determined
  • Walk in -no appointment needed

Bowery Mission Men's Center

  • 315 East 115th Street, New York, NY
  • Next date: October 25, 2018, 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
  • Walk in -no appointment needed

Bowery Mission Women's Center (limited to residents)

Exodus Transitional Community Center

  • 2271 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10035
  • Next date: October 25, 2018
  • Limited to residents

What to bring

At your initial consultation, you will either receive an answer to your question, potential advocacy and representation, or a referral.

We recommend you gather and bring all information and papers related to your legal issue. We will make copies and return your originals. Relevant documents can include:

 

  • Letters
  • Lease agreements
  • Court papers
  • Rent demands
  • Benefits letters
  • The name of the person (or company or organization, etc.) with whom you are having a dispute (known as the “adverse party”)
  • An address and/or a phone number for the adverse party, if known
  • If the adverse party has an attorney, the attorney’s name and phone number, if known

"Know Your Rights" Seminars

We also provide seminars on a wide range of topics relevant to low-income and homeless New Yorkers, such as tenants’ rights, subsidized housing with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), rent stabilization laws, collateral consequences of criminal convictions, police rights and more. If you are interested in having us teach a seminar at an existing community-based organization in New York City, please email us at info@openhandslegalservices.org.

We look forward to serving you.