This fall, New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA), which provides free legal help to low-income residents of New Haven County, has expanded its presence in the Valley with an office at TEAM, Inc. at 30 Elizabeth St. in Derby.
NHLAA has always served the residents in the Lower Naugatuck Valley (including Derby, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Seymour, Shelton, and Oxford), but recognized that its main office, at 426 State Street in New Haven, is not always accessible to clients in the Valley.
“We want our clients and potential clients to know that we represent all of New Haven County, not just the City of New Haven,” said Executive Director Alexis Smith; “Having an office in the Valley allows us to meet with existing clients, and help new ones who cannot easily get to New Haven.”
The location at TEAM, Inc. was ideal: “We welcome the referrals we get from our community partner, TEAM, Inc., although anyone who qualifies for our services can come see us in Derby,” said Attorney Smith.
Attorneys and paralegals staff the Derby office on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9AM-12PM and from 2PM-5PM. Staff will meet with potential clients on a first come-first served basis, with the last appointments at 11:30AM in the morning and 4:30PM in the afternoon. Staff advise, refer, or represent clients with the following issues:
- Landlord/tenant (priority for tenants with housing subsidies)
- Utilities
- Medicaid/Husky/SNAP/TFA
- Domestic Violence
- Immigration
- Employment/Wage theft
- Education
NHLAA provides high quality legal help to individuals and groups unable to get legal services because of limited income, age, disability, discrimination, or other barriers. NHLAA provides these services free of charge using the most appropriate means available to meet the clients’ needs: advice, referral, litigation, administrative and legislative advocacy, and community education. NHLAA relies on donations to fulfill its mission. The Derby office is supported by a grant from the Katharine Matthies Foundation.
