Community Health Law Project

- 250 Washington St Suite 5, Toms River, NJ 08753

Navigating the legal system can be a challenge for anyone, but it can be particularly daunting for individuals with disabilities. For residents of New Jersey, the Community Health Law Project offers a vital resource, providing legal and advocacy services with a clear mission: to assist persons with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Located in Toms River, this non-profit organization is dedicated to empowering its clients to overcome obstacles and maintain their independence. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the Community Health Law Project, its services, and its key features, helping you understand how this unique legal resource serves the New Jersey community and why it is a worthy choice for those who meet its eligibility criteria.

The Community Health Law Project (CHLP) is a statewide non-profit advocacy and legal services organization founded in 1976. Its mission is to provide legal and advocacy services, training, and education to persons with disabilities and, in certain issues, to organizations representing their interests. The organization places a special emphasis on serving those who are most vulnerable and needy. CHLP assists people with a wide range of disabilities, including those with mental health challenges, developmental, physical, and visual disabilities, as well as individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Their services are designed to address the civil legal matters that impact the health and well-being of their clients, such as issues related to housing, public entitlements, and healthcare access. The Toms River office serves as a key point of contact for the Ocean County region, ensuring that this critical legal support is available to the local community.

The office of the Community Health Law Project is conveniently located at 250 Washington St, Suite 5, Toms River, NJ 08753, USA. Situated in a central part of Toms River, the office is easily accessible for residents of Ocean County. The location is on a well-known street and is well-served by local roads, making it simple for clients to travel to their appointments. Accessibility is a cornerstone of the firm's mission, and this is reflected in the physical design of the office. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These accommodations ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can visit the office and receive legal counsel without barriers. The amenities, including a restroom, contribute to a comfortable and professional environment for client consultations.

The Community Health Law Project operates by appointment only, which ensures that each client receives dedicated and focused attention from the legal team. Appointments are required, which guarantees that the attorney or advocate will be prepared to address your specific legal issue. This systematic approach is vital for an organization that handles a high volume of cases for a vulnerable population, allowing for a more efficient and effective use of resources. This planning ensures that from the moment a client arrives, they are in a supportive and structured environment designed to address their needs comprehensively.

The Community Health Law Project focuses on providing legal services to assist individuals with disabilities in civil matters that directly affect their health, housing, and independence. Their services include but are not limited to:

• Civil Law: Providing representation and advice in various civil legal issues that low-income individuals with disabilities may face.
• Document Drafting: Assisting clients with the preparation of important legal documents, such as living wills and other advance directives.
• Housing Discrimination: Advocating for clients who have faced discrimination in housing due to their disability. This includes dealing with landlord-tenant disputes, eviction prevention, and ensuring barrier-free accessibility.
• Legal Services: Offering a wide range of legal assistance, including matters related to Social Security benefits (SSI, SSDI), public assistance, and food stamps.
• Living Wills and Advance Directives: Guiding clients through the process of creating legal documents that specify their wishes for medical care and end-of-life decisions.
• Healthcare Access: Helping clients navigate the complexities of Medicaid, Medicare, and other healthcare benefits to ensure they receive the care they need.

The Community Health Law Project is a unique and valuable legal resource for the New Jersey community, distinguished by several key features and highlights. These attributes reflect its commitment to its mission and the people it serves.

• Non-Profit Mission: The organization is driven by a mission to help people with disabilities, with a focus on those who are low-income and most vulnerable, rather than on profit.
• Specialized Expertise: Their legal and advocacy services are specifically tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, ensuring a deep understanding of the relevant laws and challenges.
• Statewide Reach: As a statewide organization, CHLP has multiple offices and a broad network, allowing it to serve clients across New Jersey.
• Commitment to Accessibility: The wheelchair-accessible facilities demonstrate a clear dedication to making legal services physically available to all clients.
• Community-Focused: The organization works not only on individual cases but also engages in systems advocacy and training to create broader, systemic change that benefits the disabled community.

To get in touch with the Community Health Law Project in Toms River, you can use the following contact information. The office is located at 250 Washington St, Suite 5, Toms River, NJ 08753, USA. The main phone number is (732) 349-6714, and the mobile phone number is +1 732-349-6714. It is important to remember that all visits require an appointment, so please call ahead to schedule your consultation.

When considering legal services, especially for sensitive matters related to health and disability, choosing the right advocate is crucial. So, what is worth choosing about the Community Health Law Project? The answer lies in its foundational mission and unique approach. Unlike a traditional private law firm, CHLP operates as a non-profit, which means its primary goal is not financial gain but the well-being of its clients. This mission-driven model ensures that the legal advice and representation provided are always in the best interest of the individual, with an emphasis on those who might otherwise be unable to afford legal help. The specialization in civil law matters affecting people with disabilities is a significant advantage, as the attorneys and advocates possess a deep understanding of the complex legal and social issues involved. While the negative reviews regarding the front desk staff are a point of concern, they highlight the importance of the firm's core mission and the need for all staff to uphold its values. The fact remains that this organization provides a critical and often life-changing service to a community that is frequently underserved. For anyone in New Jersey with a disability who needs legal assistance with civil matters, the Community Health Law Project offers a dedicated, specialized, and compassionate legal resource that is truly committed to making a difference in people's lives.

Community Health Law Project

250 Washington St Suite 5, Toms River, NJ 08753, USA