Abigail’s Story

In February 2020, Abigail* was doing yardwork in her rented home and was struck by a tree limb. Due to her injury, she was unable to work and consequently fell behind on her rent. Abigail called Legal Services of the Hudson Valley for help. Her attorney, Patience Hughes, was able to negotiate a settlement with the landlord. Then the pandemic hit.

Due to the pandemic, Abigail could not find work. She was able to maintain her monthly rent payments but could not pay the negotiated judgment and was served with a 14-Day Eviction Notice. Fortunately for Abigail, evictions were halted during the pandemic. She applied for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The ERAP application process requires that both the landlord and tenant to apply together. Unfortunately for Abigail, the landlord decided not to apply and proceeded with the eviction for non-payment.

Patience was determined to preserve her client’s housing and appealed the decision. Patience assisted Abigail in applying for a Helping Hands grant, which is emergency funding that LSHV has available through a partnership with Gerstner Philanthropies to assist clients in need. Abigail was approved and her landlord agreed to accept the payment! Her case was withdrawn, the landlord was paid, and the threat of eviction was eliminated!

Many people in the Hudson Valley are facing similar situations - where one small setback can cause upheaval in their lives. LSHV is here in the moments our neighbors need us the most to provide legal advice, counsel, and representation to homeowners in foreclosure proceedings and to tenants in eviction cases.

Click here to help keep our neighbors stay in their homes.

*The names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect our client’s privacy.

HUD EXPANDS EVICTION PROTECTION AND DIVERSION PROGRAM WITH ADDITIONAL $20 MILLION

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Development announced it doubled their grants for its Eviction Protection Grant Program.

LSHV was awarded $1 million to help keep Hudson Valley residents in their home. Read the official press release here.

Staff Spotlight

Introducing Shara Abraham, Supervising Attorney - Newburgh

Shara Abraham is the Supervising Attorney of the Newburgh Office. She supports the staff and attorneys in our housing, elder, foreclosure and DV units, and also represents our veterans and military families across a wide range of practice areas, including eviction prevention, family law, consumer debt and VA benefits.

Find Out More Here!

Staff on the Move!

Today we recognize Hope Turbert, Supervising Attorney in the Nanuet Office. Hope has been with us for three years and previously worked as a Staff Attorney in almost every practice area!

Hope is married to her husband Billy and has 3 wonderful kids - Eli (5), Owen (3), Rosalie (1) - and a dog named Ziggy.

https://www.instagram.com/legalserviceshv/

One of her favorite quotes is “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” - The Talmud.

Please join us in congratulating this Supervising Attorney on our LinkedIn page!