Urban Justice Center – Safety Net Project

Who We Are

The Urban Justice Center’s Safety Net Project combines direct legal services, litigation, research, and policy to achieve economic justice for low- and no-income residents of New York City. Founded in a burned-out building in East Harlem in 1984, the Safety Net Project has since grown to include six free, frequent, and easily accessible legal clinics located in established community-based  organizations throughout the city anchored by our Lower Manhattan offices.

Staffed by a team of experienced attorneys, advocates, researchers, and support staff, our project provides direct legal representation to New Yorkers experiencing problems with Public Assistance benefits, SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits, and NYCHA Public Housing. We also assist clients with appealing unfavorable Fair Hearing decisions and with emergency rental assistance, and provide general legal advice and referrals regarding other legal issues outside of our practice area.

How to Get Help

We are offering remote services at this time.

If you need assistance with Public Assistance, SNAP, Fair Hearings for PA and SNAP, or CityFHEPS/FHEPS, please call (646) 923-8358 and leave a voicemail.

If you need assistance with a legal issue in the Bronx or Brooklyn involving your housing please call (646) 470-9704. We will do our best to return their call within 24 hours.

Who We Serve

Area(s): Bronx County, Kings (Brooklyn) County, New York (Manhattan) County, New York City (all 5 NYC boroughs), Queens County, Richmond (Staten Island) County

Language(s) Spoken

• English
• Spanish / Español

Circumstances and languages in which interpreters are provided

Most legal clinics are staffed by Safety Net Project staff fluent in both English and Spanish, subject to staff availability. Clients who wish to conduct intake in Urdu should visit our legal clinic located at The River Fund.

Income Guidelines

There is no income cap and all no/low- income individuals are eligible to receive services.

Is this organization accessible by wheelchair?: YES

Does this organization provide access for the hearing impaired?: NO

Eligibility Restrictions

The Safety Net Project makes a concerted effort to serve as many eligible clients as possible, with particular attention paid to serving those who have not found help elsewhere. This includes clients with limited English proficiency, victims of domestic violence, and people with disabilities. Eligible clients must live within the five boroughs. Clients seeking emergency rental assistance must be able to demonstrate future ability to pay rent.

Type of Help

This group provides the following types of services based on your legal needs and its resources:

• Pro Se Legal Clinic
• Self-Help Materials
• Full Legal Representation
• Brief Advice