| Legal Services & Client
Advocacy
The
Legal Services and Client Advocacy Department at GMHC is staffed
by attorneys, accredited representatives, paralegals and advocates
with experience in their designated areas of expertise. We have
been responding to the legal and advocacy needs of people living
with HIV/AIDS since 1983. The Legal Services Unit provides advice
and/or representation in the fields of immigrant legal rights, landlord/tenant,
family and domestic unity law, permanency planning and employment
discrimination. In addition, services are provided in the areas
of SSI/SSDI, estate planning, bankruptcy and private disability
insurance. The Client Advocacy Unit assists and advocates for clients
with issues concerning benefits and entitlements as well as overcoming
barriers to health care access. The Department serves over 3,000
people each year.
What services does the Legal Services Unit
provide?
Our services cover a range of legal needs required by our HIV-positive
clients as well as those whose lives are impacted by HIV/AIDS. We
provide technical assistance, legal representation, pro-se advice,
referrals and forums.
What services does
the Client Advocacy Unit provide?
The Client Advocacy Unit provides a continuum of practical and
concrete HIV-specific services that are critical to ensuring that
clients access, maintain and continue receiving uninterrupted, quality
healthcare. We provide advocacy assistance in navigating the maze
of government and private bureaucracies that control the delivery
of HIV-specific public benefits, entitlements and private healthcare,
so that clients are not left without health care, financial support,
food and shelter.
For a more in-depth description, see our Legal
Services & Client Advocacy Brochure.
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
|