A Complete Overview on Bronx Legal Services at 349 East 149th Street

Overview of Bronx Legal Services

Bronx Legal Services offer free legal assistance to the Bronx community. For 50 years, Bronx Legal Services has worked to end poverty and provide equal access to justice through excellence in legal representation, advocacy, and education. Bronx Legal Services works to address a variety of civil legal issues faced by low-income Bronx residents. In fulfillment of its mission , Bronx Legal Services provides free legal representation, individual advice, group information, self-help services, community education, and related support services to over 12,000 low-income residents of the Bronx each year. BRONX LEGAL SERVICES is a program of THE LEGAL SERVICES NETWORK, INC., A not-for-profit 501-C (3) corporation under the laws of the State of New York.

Where is Bronx Legal Services Located

Located at 349 East 149th Street in the Bronx, New York, the Legal Services of the Bronx office is easily accessible by public transportation. It is just a short walk from the 6, D, and 2 train lines. Buses that stop nearby include the 4, Bx 6, Bx 13, 19, 21, 36, 31, and 34. It is conveniently located near the Bronx Borough Hall and the Bronx County Court. With free parking spaces available for clients who need them, the organization also pays parking tickets for qualifying clients.

What Kind of Legal Services Does it Have Available

Bronx Legal Services at 349 East 149th Street is a beacon of support in the community, offering a range of essential legal services and case management to meet the diverse needs of those who seek their assistance. The center’s client services division is dedicated to providing the highest quality comprehensive legal advice to low-income residents of the Bronx, effectively addressing the pressing issues they face.
One area of focus is housing, where various programs address both emergency and ongoing housing needs. The Eviction Prevention Program provides representation in eviction cases involving public and private landlords, while also preventing tenant harassment, educating clients on tenant rights, and obtaining financial assistance from government programs. In partnership with the Bronx Housing Network, the Homeless Outreach Program aims to prevent homelessness and increases the number of families living in permanent shelter. The Neighborhood Stabilization Support Project (NSSP) develops long-term relationships with tenants living in certain developments at risk of displacement. The Bronx Legal Services Home Law Unit is dedicated to safeguarding clients’ housing interests and furthering overall housing goals by advising clients individually and in group workshops. The Value-Added Legal Services Team assists tenants with hearing preparation, understanding local housing court culture, overcoming language and access barriers, and managing high-volume dockets.
The Center also addresses family law issues, such as child custody, visitation issues, and Family Court Representation in Manhattan and the Bronx. Housing Preservation and Benefits (HPB) provides an array of legal and preventative case management services such as discharge planning and legal representation to low-income persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Immigrant concerns are served through Immigrant Family Services, which provide support in order to help immigrant families reach their fullest potential. The Bronx Family Defender Unit helps indigent parents who have been accused of abusing or neglecting their children in Family Court.
Public benefits are addressed through Public Benefits, Health Care and Individual Rights Project, which focuses on SNAP (formerly Food Stamps), disability benefits like Social Security and SSI, wages and working conditions, recognizing and resisting abuse of individual rights, and supports advocacy at all levels.
These comprehensive services reflect the commitment of Bronx Legal Services at 349 East 149th Street to be a voice for low-income individuals in the Bronx.

How Can You Obtain Legal Services

To obtain legal assistance from Bronx Legal Services, you can call or visit their office at 349 East 149th Street. You will be asked to provide basic information about yourself and the reason you need assistance. Evaluations are conducted for potential cases and appropriate referrals are made at that time. Everyone who calls or visits will be given an appointment for an assessment, regardless of income. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Wednesdays when the office closes at 4 p.m. (although services are still provided).
Bronx Legal Services’ team will evaluate whether they can take your case based on several factors, including available resources, whether free services are available for your type of case, and whether your case meets their requirements. They can also refer you to other organizations that might be able to help. If they have a legal services program that matches your needs, it will be necessary to fill out an application for services. Applications submitted online or over the phone will be immediately directed to the Walk-In Clinic.
In order to receive free legal services you must qualify under their guidelines. Some applicants may be referred to other organizations for assistance if they do not meet the non-eligibility criteria, which offers staff members the ability to waive eligibility in special circumstances. All individuals seeking legal help in New York City are screened by Bronx Legal Services (regional affiliates are New York Legal Assistance Group, City Bar Justice Center, and Legal Aid Society). If your annual income is below the federal poverty guidelines you are eligible to receive free legal services. There are no asset tests. There are some exceptions to the eligibility criteria, which include:
When you arrive at the Walk-In Clinic at Bronx Legal Services, you will be asked questions about your situation. Based on that information, you may be referred to one of their staff lawyers for further screening. If you are eligible, the staff lawyer will try to get you the legal services that you need.

Impact on the Community and History of Success

In a vibrant community like the Bronx, where diversity and challenges abound, the presence of organizations like Bronx Legal Services is nothing short of transformative. Their work goes beyond legal representation; it empowers individuals, supports families, and uplifts the local community.
One poignant example is the story of Rosa, a single mother of three who had faced domestic abuse for years. After finally finding the courage to leave her abuser, she was left in a vulnerable position with her children. "Thanks to Bronx Legal Services, I was able to secure a case that not only provided me with a safe environment for my children but also kept them in the school district they love," she recalls. Having represented Rosa in securing an order of protection, Bronx Legal Services collaborated with local schools to ensure that both she and her children could find peace in their education pursuits.
Another success story comes from John, a veteran who had fallen on hard times and faced the threat of eviction. He was hesitant to come forward, not wanting to be seen as a charity case, but after his niece urged him to seek help, he found himself in front of a Bronx Legal Services attorney . "They were like an angel sent in the time of need. Not only did they help me stay in my home, but the attorney that helped me was equally as passionate about my case as I was," John states, recalling that Bronx Legal Services not only advocated on his behalf but also connected him with veteran support services to aid in his recovery.
These stories are not uncommon in the work of Bronx Legal Services. They have helped secure over 1,000 housing units for low-income residents of the Bronx and provide pro bono legal assistance for over 20,000 Bronxites each year. The impact they have made over the years has earned them high accolades and recognition in the community.
"We wouldn’t be here without the generosity of our donors and our volunteers," says Bronx Legal Services’ Director of Development, Lisa Green. "Every dollar and every hour given helps us provide the legal services that change lives. Our success stories are truly a collective effort."
The future is bright for Bronx Legal Services, as they aim to expand their reach and continue their mission of ensuring that everyone in the Bronx has access to necessary and vital legal support.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Bronx Legal Services understands that the challenges facing the low-income communities of Bronx County cannot be met by any one organization alone. That’s why BLS has been a leader in developing collaborative efforts with other community agencies for decades. These collaborations range from pairing with hospitals to increase access and screening for legal issues, to working with the District Attorney’s office and criminal defense bar to advance a criminal record clearance project. Clinics in immigration, housing, consumer rights, domestic violence, Medicaid, public benefits, and education have been developed with many different partners to put essential legal services under one roof. By drawing on the strengths of existing community resources, these collaborations enable Bronx Legal Services to provide clients with holistic legal services that help them overcome complex problems.

Future Programs and Plans

In response to the ever-evolving needs of the Bronx community, Bronx Legal Services has a number of future initiatives planned. One of the major projects in the pipeline is a collaborative effort with the New York City Department of Homeless Services and HomeBase, a local partners that provides technical assistance to homeless prevention programs. The goal of this initiative is to support families who are at risk of entering the homeless shelter system, allowing them to remain in their homes while ensuring their basic tenant rights are protected. By providing legal assistance and advice to families facing potential eviction, Bronx Legal Services aims to reduce the instances of homelessness in the neighborhood. Another initiative in the works is the expansion of the organization’s special education advocacy efforts. Already active in defending the educational rights of children with disabilities, Bronx Legal Services plans to extend its outreach to provide more comprehensive assistance to children based on their varying needs . This expansion of services would include advocacy for additional services for children, such as mental health or housing assistance in coordination with other organizations. The need for affordable housing continues to grow as the Bronx sees the influx of new residents. To respond to the threat gentrification poses to low income neighborhoods, Bronx Legal Services will be advocating for policies that protect the preservation of affordable housing in their community. In the coming years, the organization will work hard towards the prevention of displacement, ensuring families have a solid home foundation from which to flourish. As the population continues to grow, Bronx Legal Services will continue to expand its reach to address the daily needs of the Bronx community. As they provide free legal assistance, the firm will also work toward large scale community reform, bridging the gaps between the law and the people it represents. Bronx Legal Services strives to provide the highest quality legal service while advocating for policy changes, maintaining integrity at the core of their mission.