New resource to find civil legal help in Massachusetts -- www.MassLRF.org

As an organization that works with low income people in Massachusetts, we wanted to make sure that your staff knows about the Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder -- a new, web based tool that connects low income people in Massachusetts with legal help. To use the LRF, which is free, people go to www.MassLRF.org, and enter their zip code or town, approximate monthly income and household size, and the type of legal problem they need help with.  Depending upon their situation, the search results will provide:

• contact information for legal aid programs that are open for intake on that particular issue
• free self-help materials and legal information
• court based lawyer for the day programs
• government agencies
• private bar lawyer referral services

The search results page, complete with contact information and links, can be printed and emailed.

We hope you will find the LRF useful in finding legal resources and referrals for your clients. In addition to the core civil legal services programs in Massachusetts, the website includes more than 40 other organizations that provide legal help or information, and more programs are being added on a regular basis.  The website also includes hundreds of links to legal information and self help materials.

Please note: Due to limited program resources, not all Legal Services programs can handle SNAP cases or cases in all civil legal areas. Intake varies by each program's staff capacity and expertise.

Attached are some fliers about the LRF -- please feel free to post or distribute these. We also have pre-printed cards and posters, and would be happy to share these with you as well.

Please let Rochelle know if you have any questions, rhahn@mlri.org. Please also feel free to share this email announcement with others, both within and outside of your organization, who may be interested.