NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – An essential public resource is being offered for the first time in Hampshire County.
The City of Northampton’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in collaboration with Western New England University School of Law’s Center for Social Justice, has introduced a free legal kiosk at the DHHS Division of Community Care (DCC) Community Space.
UMass Dining takes gold medal at Canadian competition The Center for Social Justice aims to advance justice through research, education, advocacy, and public engagement, addressing systemic social injustice with innovative solutions. The newly installed legal kiosk at the DCC provides free access to legal information, court records, and Zoom services, enhancing the public’s ability to navigate the justice system and promoting digital equity.
“The legal kiosk provides access to legal information, legal assistance, and the courts – ‘one-stop shopping’ for everything the public needs to address a legal problem. The Center for Social Justice at Western New England University School of Law is grateful to have this new Public Health-led site located at the newly launched DCC. They have stepped up to host a kiosk, and we look forward to working together to address the legal needs of their community members and visitors and that this important resource is now available in Northampton.”
Director Judge Dina Fein (ret.)
The kiosk offers a variety of services, including applications for free legal help, browsing legal resources, checking court records, completing and submitting court forms, and printing documents.
It covers a range of legal topics, such as housing, healthcare, education, family law, immigration, debt, employment, and criminal records. Located at the DCC Community Room at 1 Roundhouse Plaza, the kiosk is accessible to the public on a first-come, first-served basis during regular hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The kiosks are ADA accessible, equipped with a reliable internet connection, and secure, with software that wipes the device after each use. Commissioner Merridith O’Leary expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to add a legal kiosk to the resources available at the DHHS Division of Community Care. Our trained Community Responders are ready to assist the public in using the kiosk and accessing legal resources. This initiative aligns seamlessly with our mission of equitable service, thanks to our collaboration with the Center for Social Justice. This new tool enhances our ongoing efforts to provide free community legal aid, meeting an important need in our community.”
For more information about the legal kiosk or to make a reservation, visit the project’s website or contact the DCC at (877) 588-0413 or DCC@northampton.gov. Additional legal kiosks are available in Hampden County, with locations listed on the Center for Social Justice’s website.
Local News
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Most Popular
Comments / 0