Centro Legal Hispano Explained
Centro Legal Hispano is based at 501 Smith Street, #200 in Providence, Rhode Island, but it serves the Hispanic community all over the state of Rhode Island. Centro Legal Hispano helps low-income Spanish-speaking individuals and families get immigration help, English help, housing assistance, public benefit assistance, and family law assistance . Centro Legal Hispano aims to alleviate poverty and empower low-income Hispanic families through comprehensive and free legal services. The goal of Centro Legal Hispano is to help immigrant clients navigate hurdles which present themselves on the path to employment, stable housing, and independence. Centro Legal Hispano has been around since 2004, and since that time has helped over 3,000 individuals and families.
Services Provided by Centro Legal Hispano
Servicios Ofrecidos por Centro Legal Hispano
La gama de servicios que ofrece Centro Legal Hispano es amplia y cubre muchas áreas del derecho. El enfoque principal de la organización está en brindar asistencia legal gratuita a inmigrantes, residentes legales permanentes y ciudadanos en la comunidad hispano parlante de las Carolinas.
En el área de inmigración, el personal de Centro Legal Hispano proporcionan orientación legal a solicitantes de asilo, trabajadores agrícolas, cónyugues de ciudadanía, y un largo etcétera de migrantes que requieren ayuda. La ley de inmigración es complicada, a menudo confusa, y los inmigrantes requieren una atención especial de aquellos que entienden sus situaciones específicas. Centro Legal Hispano proporciona no solo servicios legales, sino un ambiente seguro y acogedor donde los inmigrantes se sienten cómodos y valorados.
Además de la ayuda relacionada con la inmigración, Centro Legal Hispano ofrece recursos en el área de derecho de familia: las cuestiones que abarca esta rama son la custodia, la separación, el divorcio y el asentamiento de bienes. Para aquellos que están pasando por procesos difíciles de separación o divorcio, el abogado o abogada puede ser esa otra voz que necesita para orientarle sobre los próximos pasos a seguir.
Por último, Centro Legal Hispano también proporciona asistencia para aquellos que necesitan recurrir al sistema judicial por cuestiones laborales: cada día el 14% de los casos presentados en cortes son de índole laboral; y, como destino final de la mayoría de estos casos, se pueden encontrar disputas que tienen que ver con la terminación injusta del empleo, conductas discriminatorias o de acoso en el lugar de trabajo, entre otros problemas.
How to Reach Centro Legal Hispano
Centro Legal Hispano is located at the Los Angeles Centers for Empowerment building at 1819 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles. Legal services are provided by Centro Legal Hispano by appointment only. Call the office to schedule an appointment for legal assistance. Alternatively, you can send an email to [email protected] for assistance using email. Centro Legal Hispano provides multiple methods to access its services.
Eligibility for free legal services is restricted to persons of low-income who meet the income eligibility guidelines according to federal poverty guidelines. Centro Legal Hispano primarily serves clients in need of family law services. However, Centro Legal Hispano will refer clients to their sister organization, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles for qualified cases. Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles provides legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in Los Angeles with non-criminal, civil legal services. The following law related services are offered to the general public by Centro Legal Hispano via its advocacy programs and clinics:
Centro Legal Hispano Success Stories
The impact of Centro Legal Hispano can be seen through its success stories. In the past year, more than 1,000 people found their way to the center, seeking a sense of normalcy after facing legal challenges. From immigrants who have made their way to the United States to individuals who have recently experienced personal loss, Centro Legal Hispano has been a beacon for those in need.
Ana and Mario were parents of twin teen boys. They were recent immigrants who were trying to make their home in the United States. Ana had a mortgaged property when she came to the United States. Her husband’s passing changed all that. The experience was devastating in numerous ways, leaving Ana homeless and without money. Fortunately, Ana discovered Centro Legal Hispano, which guided her through every stage of the process, from finding a realty company specialized in distressed properties , to negotiating the short sale with the bank and finalizing a settlement. Ana walked away with a clean slate and confidence to begin her new life.
Pedro faced imminent deportation after his wife moved out of their home, but this process was lengthy and costly. The couple sought legal counsel but faced numerous challenges. After several failed attempts to find a confidante, they came across Centro Legal Hispano. Here they received council, legal counsel and the necessary financial support to get past the upcoming deadline, re-establishing their livelihood along the way.
Jose was living in and out of the hospital, battling depression and suicide. As a part of Centro Legal Hispano’s mental health program, Jose found a sense of self and security. He was able to attend a counseling session and shared his story publicly through national awareness programs. Today, Jose is a mentally healthy, independent man who no longer suffers from nightmares or suicidal thoughts.
Centro Legal Hispano Partnerships and Community Engagement
Centro Legal Hispano maintains relationships with a number of organizations to help further its mission. Centro Legal Hispano collaborates with the local police department to educate law enforcement personnel regarding immigration status issues. Centro Legal Hispano also assists law enforcement personnel with training on appropriate interactions with undocumented persons taken into custody.
Centro Legal Hispano has provided training on public charge and immigrant eligibility for SNAP/TANF and subsidized childcare to a wide variety of staff persons employed by organizations in the greater Albany area. Centro Legal Hispano continues to provide training on how changes to federal immigration policy impact immigrant eligibility for SNAP/TANF and subsidized childcare assistance. Centro Legal Hispano will continue to broaden its partnerships with community organizations and local agencies.
Common Queries About Centro Legal Hispano
Centro Legal Hispano provides a number of valuable and necessary services in our community. Below are some frequently asked questions, answered in detail.
How do I access the services offered?
Centro Legal Hispano provides services through one of two ways: scheduled by appointment and walk-ins. Appointments are scheduled for both legal and immigration clinics, as well as private consultations with the staff attorney. Walk-ins are available for general services only. For those seeking legal consultations or representation, appointments are required. No walk-ins will be accepted for immigration services.
Will I need to pay fees for any of these services?
Our legal services are offered on a sliding scale based on the applicant’s ability to pay. Applicants may be denied an appointment if unable to pay any fee . All clients will be required to fill out an application request for legal services. In those cases where we encounter conflicts of interest or decide we cannot assist you, we will refer you to the appropriate agency or resource. For more information on the sliding scale fees, please visit here. It is important to note that Centro Legal Hispano is not a pro-bono organization. A second application process and fee structure is in place for the pro-bono service center. Centro Legal Hispano runs its pro-bono service center Monday through Friday for three hours each day. Information on how to access the pro-bono services is available here.
Can I apply for services if I do not speak Spanish?
Yes. Centro Legal Hispano has a staff of translators who can communicate with clients in a number of languages. Additionally, we do provide in-house translation through our service center.