H.E.L.P. Program

The Homeless Experience Legal Protection Program (H.E.L.P) in Chicago is a continuation of the successful H.E.L.P. Program started in New Orleans by Judge Jay Zainey of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana in May of 2004, as a way for lawyers to reach out to the homeless population by providing legal consultation services at various homeless shelters and centers. Issues range from questions involving Social Security benefits, health care, immigration matters, housing rights to just plain listening. As Judge Zainey reminded lawyers recently at a conference introducing H.E.L.P., “even if you don’t strictly address legal issues, the fact that you’re a powerful lawyer listening to poor people, giving them dignity – it means a lot.” The goal of the program is to help get the homeless out on their feet and see that their basic needs are taken care of.

The Chicago Office volunteered this past December and February at the REST Shelter and Deborah’s Place, and plans to participate again in December of 2008, as well as serve as a liaison for the program and assist other law firms implementing H.E.L.P.

The New York Office participated in H.E.L.P. during the program’s inception in the Spring of 2007. Nearly every associate in the office participated in the Friday morning sessions during the months of January and February of 2008. Volunteers were able to provide assistance with a myriad of legal issues, helping to resolve immigration, social security, housing and criminal matters.

As a result of our New York office’s involvement, Chris Gannon was asked to be a member of the H.E.L.P. Advisory Group. The Group was formed to evaluate and strengthen the program, ensuring that volunteer attorneys are well prepared, and to determine how to best serve those in need.