Legal Aid Society of Rockland County

Certificate of Hardship forms are now available for homeowners, tenants, and small landlords to seek relief from COVID-19 related housing issues. Forms can be found here: https://www.nysenate.gov//covid-19-emergency-eviction-and- You only have 60 days to file the form. If you need help please contact Legal Aid at (845) 634-3627 or (800) 454-3627.

From all of us at the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, we wish you a healthy and hopeful 2021.

The signing of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 along with the reopening of the Covid Rent Relief Program should provide some relief to Rockland County residents in need. If you have questions about either, or need help completing forms or documents, please reach out to our office at (845)634-3627 or email [email protected]. https://www.governor.ny.gov//governor-cuomo-signs-covid-19

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County!

Happy Hanukkah from the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County!

The Legal Aid Society of Rockland County is raffling off this awesome gift basket as part of our annual fundraiser! Over a $800 value! Includes:... Certificate to La Terrazza New City Wine from Big Daddy's Wine And Liquor Certificate to River Court On Main New City Certificate to Christopher Robert Gifts Certificate to Original Italian Pizza Garnerville Certificate to Rockland Music Certificate to Panera Bread Products from Avon Global Research & Development Center Certificate to Smashburger Certificate to Rivertown Taphouse Family Fun Package at New City Bowl & Batting Cages 1 Hour Massage at Yemaya Massage & Wellness Center Certificate to The Station Kitchen and Bar Certificate to Joe & Joe Nyack The raffle will be drawn at the conclusion of our Equal Justice Event on Thursday, October 29th. For more information on the event or to make a donation, buy a virtual journal ad or sponsor the event please click here - https://legalaidrockland.org/equal-justice-event/ To buy a raffle ticket Text LEGAL to (833)755-6550 or click below.

One of the most devastating impacts that can hit an individual or family is the loss if their home. The economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic will cause lots of pain and suffering for children and families in Rockland County and throughout the State of New York come January 1st when the CDCs moratorium on evictions expires. The Legal Aid Society of Rockland is here to provide legal representation to those who qualify for our services. Please reach out to us if you nee...d help or refer a friend or family member for assistance. https://www.cbsnews.com//covid-and-the-looming-eviction-c/

Your donation towards our Best of Rockland raffle basket will help Legal Aid to advocate and provide legal assistance to more than 50,000 income eligible Rockland County residents who are at risk of hunger, foreclosure, homelessness, the minimum income to buy basic necessities, the resources to obtain medical care, or ensure their children receive a sound basic education. The raffle will be drawn at the conclusion of our Equal Justice Event on Thursday, October 29th. For more... information on the event or to make a donation, buy a virtual journal ad or sponsor the event please click here - https://legalaidrockland.org/equal-justice-event/ To buy a raffle ticket Text LEGAL to (833)755-6550 or click below.

Please come support Local businesses and nonprofits at the Rockland Business Women's Network holiday shopping expo starting December 5th through the 9th. #shoplocal #nonprofitsmatter https://rocklandshopping.com/

The Legal Aid Society of Rockland County fully supports the Haverstraw Collaborative’s Statement on Racial Equity.

Join the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County on October 29th for its Virtual Equal Justice Event honoring Willie Trotman, President of the Spring Valley NAACP and Paul Piperato, Rockland County Clerk, In Memoriam. For more information on journal ads, sponsorships, tickets or to make a donation, click here. https://legalaidrockland.org/equal-justice-event/

The Legal Aid Society of Rockland County is happy to be participating in the Rockland Business Women's Network Rockland County Wide Online Holiday Shopping Expo starting December 5th at 12 noon. You will be able to support our organization by making a donation or purchase Legal Aid branded items from our holiday store. We hope you will join us virtually and support Local!

The last day for IRS Non-Filers to submit for their stimulus check is on October 15th. People with lower incomes who aren’t required to file a tax return often believe they don’t qualify for a stimulus check. But that’s not true. Help spread the word about how they can get relief for their families. Tap to learn more unitedway.org/stimuluscheck

The Legal Aid Society is pleased to announce its Education and Community Advocacy Project. If we currently represent you or your child in Family Court and you need help with an education issue, please contact Candice Whatley at (845) 666-3182 or call the main number for further assistance. More details can be found here.... https://legalaidrockland.org/practice-are/childrens-rights/

Candice Whatley talks about Legal Aid's new Educational Advocacy Project and helping children during the pandemic. https://vimeo.com/455225986

The Legal Aid Society mourns the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Attorneys in our Children's Rights Division ensure that the youngest in society have a voice in Family Court every day of the week. Our Housing Division makes sure that individuals and families have a place to call home by preventing foreclosures and evictions. A few stories about the people we help everyday of the week.

Alexander Bursztein, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County discusses the need for continued support during and after the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Please join us virtually on Thursday, October 29th at 6:30 PM as we honor Willie Trotman, President of the Spring Valley NAACP and Paul Piperato, Rockland County Clerk, In Memoriam. Your donation, sponsorship, virtual journal or ticket purchase to our Equal Justice Event will help us provide legal representation to the most vulnerable Rockland County residents during and after the COVID-19 health crisis is over. For information:... https://legalaidrockland.org/equal-justice-event/ See more

Our thoughts are with the families, rescue workers and New Yorkers whose lives were ripped apart on this horrible day.

Today is Giving Tuesday! Please consider supporting the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County by texting GIVE or DONATE to (845) 203-6140.

NY State Dept. of Labor has announced that payments under the Lost Wages Assistance program, providing $300 a week in supplemental benefits to people who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, are set to begin next week. Fact Sheet https://labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/lwa-factsheet.pdf... Announcement https://dol.ny.gov https://nystateofpolitics.com//lost-wages-assistance-progr

The Federal Eviction Moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now in effect as of September 4, 2020 until December 31, 2020. Health Order Published in Federal Register https://www.govinfo.gov///FR-2020-09-04/pdf/2020-19654.pdf... In order to be covered by the health order, each adult listed on the lease, rental agreement, or housing contract should complete this declaration and give to their landlord. Declaration https://www.cdc.gov//2019-n/downloads/declaration-form.pdf This is a good Q & A about the Eviction Moratorium. https://www.nytimes.com//yo/eviction-moratorium-covid.html Please contact the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County if you have questions about your eligibility or need assistance with understanding and completing your declaration.

Today is shop small Saturday! By making a purchase through our online store or one of our small business partners, you are helping the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County prevent families from becoming homeless and making sure children have a voice in family court. https://legalaidrockland.org/shop/

Rockland Legal Aid thanks all workers on Labor Day! Please reach out to us for assistance at (845) 634-3627 or (800) 454-3627.

Save the Date - Giving Tuesday is only a few days away on December 1st!

On behalf of our clients, staff and board of directors, we thank you for your generosity and support during this unprecedented year and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Trump administration announced a public health order on September 1st that effectively halts most eviction proceedings for the rest of 2020. The Order - https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.f/2020-19654.pdf... To apply for the new moratorium, tenants will have to attest to a substantial loss of household income, the inability to pay full rent and best efforts to pay partial rent. Tenants must also stipulate that eviction would be likely to leave them homeless or force them to live with others at close quarters. Forms will be available on the C.D.C. website once the order is published in the Federal Register. The order provides for criminal penalties for violations, but it does not relieve tenants of their ultimate obligation to pay rent. Income eligibility is the same as those who were eligible for stimulus checks. As soon as we have more details they will be posted on our website and Facebook page. https://www.nytimes.com//b/eviction-moratorium-order.html

This year you can purchase gifts from our new online holiday store that features Legal Aid branded items, as well as gifts from some of our partners like The Copper Faucet Soap Company Unique Beaded Jewelry by Nancy and Hudson Valley Chocolates https://legalaidrockland.org/shop/

While we honor Veteran's today, there are many who need services and resources to prevent homelessness, obtain unemployment benefits or other public benefits. If your neighbor or family member is a veteran and needs legal assistance please have them call us at 800-454-3627 or 845-634-3627.

Community leaders from around Rockland County congratulated Mr. Trotman on being presented with the Champion of Equal Justice Award on October 29th. @Mondaire Jones Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee @Toney Earl Spring Valley NAACP Branch

Its been almost a week since our Equal Justice event! This is a reminder that you can still watch John Lewis: Good Trouble on our event page until tomorrow afternoon. Once again, thank you to all of our honorees, supporters and program sponsors!

Happy Halloween 2020! Please stay safe this year.

On behalf of the Legal Aid Board and Staff, we want to thank our honorees and their families, guests, event sponsors and donors for participating in last nights virtual Equal Justice event honoring Paul Piperato, in Memoriam and Willie Trotman, President of the Spring Valley NAACP! John Lewis: Good Trouble will also be available for screening on our website until next Thursday. https://legalaidrockland.org/equal-justice-event/

Friends of Paul Piperato speak about his lifes work and volunteer efforts on behalf of Rockland County residents at last nights Equal Justice event.

Join the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County tonight for its Equal Justice Event at 6:30pm! Click on the link for Zoom Webinar Access. https://legalaidrockland.org/equal-justice-event/

Still time to buy raffle tickets to our Best of Rockland Basket! The winner will be drawn tonight at 7:30pm! Click the link or text LEGAL to (833)755-6550. ... https://go.dojiggy.io/best-of-rockland

For more information about our services for Domestic Violence Survivors click here https://legalaidrockland.org/practice-areas/ The Center for Safety & Change is another resource for Rockland County residents https://www.centerforsafetyandchange.org/

Less than two weeks to go until our Equal Justice Event on Thursday, October 29th! There is still time to purchase journal ads, sponsorships, tickets or raffle basket entries. https://legalaidrockland.dm.networkforgood.com//legal-aid-

It was already hard enough for nearly 40% of Hudson Valley households to make ends meet prior to Covid. With pandemic related job loss stemming from business closures, layoffs and the inability to obtain child care when schools reopen under hybrid or virtual only models, many more families will face this. With the expiration of federal enhanced unemployment benefits, it takes the loss of one parents income to put a family at risk of eviction, foreclosure and food insecurity. If you are facing eviction, foreclosure, or are having difficulty obtaining unemployment and other public benefits, contact Rockland Legal Aid at (845)634-3627 for assistance.

Orange and Rockland is reimbursing for spoiled food and medication. Please click on link for the claims process.

Does your child normally receive free or reduced-price lunch at school? If so, you will be receiving Pandemic-EBT food benefits to help you buy food. You will receive $420 for each eligible child. No application is needed. Benefits will be issued automatically between June and early August, first to families who have a current EBT or Medicaid card. Others will receive a new EBT card in the mail. Learn more about P-EBT: hungersolutionsny.org/pebt

If you buy groceries with SNAP benefits and lost perishable food due to an extended power outage from Tropical Storm Isaias you may be able to obtain replacement benefits. Contact information for Rockland County's NOEP coordinator can be found here: https://hungersolutionsny.org//catholic-charities-communi/

COVID RENT RELIEF PROGRAM APPLICATIONS ARE DUE ON THURSDAY, JULY 30TH! For assistance, contact us at 1-800-454-3627 or 845-634-3627 (M-F, 9AM to 5 PM); and/or e-mailing LASRC at [email protected]. For more information go to www.legalaidrockland.org/ or https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKZA77BtSXw&feature=youtu.be

Applications for NY Covid-19 Rental Assistance Program are available. Deadline to apply is July 30th. Please contact us if you have questions and need assistance applying.

America already had an eviction crisis prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and mass unemployment. For more information on our Country's eviction crisis, the Eviction Lab is a good place to start. For now there is a moratorium on evictions in New York but at some point that will be lifted, putting thousands of children and families at risk of homelessness.... If you or anyone you know is at-risk of being evicted in Rockland County contact us at (845)634-3627. https://evictionlab.org/

This is a good article by The NY Times. If your at risk of eviction or foreclosure contact us at (845)634-3627 for assistance. https://www.nytimes.com//coronavirus-eviction-prevention-r

On June 30, Governor Cuomo signed the Tenant Safe Harbor Act (Chapter 127 of the Laws of New York, 2020) (the Act) into law, prohibiting evictions of residential tenants, but allowing money judgments for nonpayment of rent, for as long as any part of the county in which such tenant resides is shut down due to COVID-19. The Act prohibits courts from issuing a warrant of eviction or judgment of possession against a residential tenant (or other lawful occupant) who has suffered a financial hardship during the period from March 7, 2020 until the date that none of the provisions from the COVID-19-responsive Executive Orders that closed or restricted business or places of public accommodation, or limited non-essential gatherings, continue to apply in the county of the tenant’s residence (such period, the COVID-19 Period).

Last week, the governor signed into law a new $100 million rental assistance program for New Yorkers that have been economically impacted by Covid-19. The rental assistance program guidelines include: - The program coverage period spans from April 1 through July 31.... - People will have to prove they lost income due to the pandemic and meet other criteria. - The household income must be below 80% of the area median income, as adjusted for family size. - Monthly rent must be more than 30% of the household income. A rental subsidy voucher will be provided to the owner of the rental unit for those deemed eligible for the program. The monthly subsidy will be limited to 125% of the fair market rent, according to the law. The program is administered by the state Division of Homes and Community Renewal, and the agency's rent administration office phone number is 1 (833) 499-0343. As soon as an application becomes available we will post it here and on our website. https://www.recordonline.com//how-ny-renters-/3223601001/

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, the day when enslaved Black Americans in Texas finally learned they were emancipated. The New York State Court System is closed today pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s executive order establishing today as a holiday. Only Courts that still operate on holidays will be open.

DACA saved for now! https://www.nytimes.com//18/us/trump-daca-supreme-court.ht

Corona Virus Update Effective Wednesday, June 24th the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County (2 Congers Road) will reopen its office for staff only. Client interactions will continue to take place remotely for the time being. Our staff continues to work and is available to assist you. Whether you would like to contact us about a case you already have with our office or you have a new issue needing immediate attention, please feel free to call us weekdays between 9AM and 5PM at our toll-free number: (800)454-3627, or at (845) 634-3627.

Op-Ed by Daniel Wolff (Board President) and Candice Whatley (Staff Attorney - Children's Rights Division) https://www.lohud.com//too-many-rocklanders-im/5323234002/

We Stand in Solidarity! For too long, the Black community has suffered grave injustice and racial inequality. The heinous murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others are a painful reminder of the atrocious reality that racism is rampant in our nation. We cannot afford to be silent. For more than fifty years, Legal Aid Society of Rockland County has provided representation to protect the human rights of the disenfranchised. Today, we say enough... is enough! These have been devastating times for our clients and our community. We are outraged by the persistent systemic marginalization of people of color. We stand in solidarity with the Black community against racism and oppression. Police brutality and abuse of power cannot be tolerated in our society. LASRC is committed to continue fighting for change. We recognize that there is still so much that needs to be done to achieve equity for underserved populations in our community. We cannot allow members of our community to suffer alone in silence. We will stand with our clients to ensure their voices are heard. We will continue our fight to eradicate disparities in access to housing, healthcare, and education. We, as an organization, will remain vigilant in working to achieve our mission of equity and justice for all.

FYI - DOL will begin sending the next set of DocuSign emails to more than 400,000 New Yorkers who are missing one or more back week certifications. Watch your email and respond through the secure form to get your backdated benefits as quickly as possible. https://twitter.com/nyslabor/status/1266181211866779648?s=21

If you haven't done so already, please take a look at Legal Aids Spring Appeal and consider making a one time or reoccurring donation today. https://legalaidrockland.org/2020-spring-appeal/

Today we remember and honor the service of the men and women who have given their lives to defend our country. While we may not be able to take part in the usual Memorial Day ceremonies and activities, we can all take a few a minutes to thank those from our communities who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

THANK YOU to everyone that supported Legal Aid's Hudson Valley Gives campaign. Every donation, social media share and like is appreciated! For more information please visit: https://www.hvgives.org//legal-aid-society-of-rockland-cou

There are still a few hours left to participate in #HVGives. Please consider making a donation to Rockland Legal Aid. https://www.hvgives.org//legal-aid-society-of-rockland-cou

Today is #HVGives ! Please support equal access to justice by donating to LASRC today. Your contribution will help us to ensure that the most vulnerable and those impacted by Covid-19 will have a legal advocate in their corner, fighting for their rights to public benefits & unemployment insurance, preventing families from becoming homeless, and making sure children have access to a sound basic education. Please consider making a donation today. https://www.hvgives.org//legal-aid-society-of-rockland-cou

Alexander Bursztein, executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County discusses LASRC's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of our housing partners Rockland Housing Action Coalition has a Covid-19 rental assistance program. The application is available at https://legalaidrockland.org/ If you need assistance, please contact us at (845)634-3627.

Join the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County on Wednesday, May 20th for #HVGives Day by supporting our efforts to help the most vulnerable during the Covid-19 Pandemic with access to basic needs (public benefits and unemployment insurance), safe housing, and ensure children still have a voice in family court or the ability to obtain the technology and resources for remote learning. Click here to donate. https://www.hvgives.org//legal-aid-society-of-rockland-cou

Here is a Covid-19 assistance/grant guide that State Senator James Skoufis put together. It’s very comprehensive and has resources for individuals, families and businesses.

Join the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County for a virtual dance party tonight at 6pm. Prizes will be awarded to non-profits who raise the most money tonight. If you can't participate tonight, join us next week on May 20th for #HudsonValleyGives Day! https://www.hvgives.org//legal-aid-society-of-rockland-cou

Statement on the Passing of Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato Paul Piperato wasn't just my friend for more than twenty years. He was a treasure to all of us in Rockland. In an era of hyper-partisanship Paul was one of the few who could rise above the fray and win the hearts and minds of virtually every Rocklander. Paul was everyone's friend. His good deeds for and supports of many diverse organizations are legendary. As a retired Family Court Judge and Vice-President o...f the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County I know how important it is to provide assistance to people in need. There is not a finer example of a public official who would be there for people in need than Paul Piperato. We are all a little poorer for his untimely passing. In his memory, I urge all of us to commit to doing more for others. That will be the best tribute we can offer to a great man and will serve as a lasting legacy of a life well lived. Paul, you will always be missed but you will never be forgotten. Honorable William P. Warren Retired Family Court Judge Vice-President Board of Directors, Legal Aid Society of Rockland County

Join the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County on Friday for a virtual dance party to kickoff #HudsonValleyGives on May 20th with prizes awarded to participating organizations based on the number of donations they receive from the community. https://www.hvgives.org//legal-aid-society-of-rockland-cou

Thank you to all of our supporters, staff, partners and board for participating in our #GivingTuesdayNow Campaign on May 5th as well as since this crisis began back in March.

Thanks Nicole DiGiacomo and @Marianne McEntee-Reilly!