Legal aid vital to community health

A statewide nonprofit organization that helps more than 7,000 low-income Alaskans a year has expanded its services in the Mat-Su.

Since 1967, Alaska Legal Services Corporation has been assisting disadvantaged residents with civil legal problems. By offering free services, ALSC has helped protect the safety, health, and stability of individuals and families faced with issues affecting their homes, incomes, jobs and access to vital services like health care and utilities.

Maggie Humm, executive director of ALSC, said the organization specializes in public benefits, income maintenance, housing, consumer protection, domestic violence, and elder law.

“We are dedicated to bridging the gap between those who need legal help, on one hand, and those who can actually get it, on the other,” she said. “This justice gap leaves thousands of vulnerable Alaskans feeling the real-life and devastating consequences of unaddressed legal problems.”

ALSC has 12 offices around the state that cover every community. Legal guidance is provided by staff and volunteers who donate their time and services to the organization.

Humm said being unable to successfully navigate the civil justice system has a cascade of consequences for the elderly and low-income families that can result in a detrimental impact on health and overall well-being. A $100,000 grant in September from the Mat-Su Health Foundation will help address that by expanding ALSC’s capacity in the Valley with a new Wasilla office staffed with an attorney.

“Since receiving this funding, we have helped Mat-Su residents in hundreds of civil legal cases,” Humm said. “When individuals and families cannot find legal help, they are left to face their legal problems on their own. Local funding, like that from the Health Foundation, is absolutely critical to being able to provide services to Mat-Su residents.”

The Mat-Su Health Foundation has been making this kind of investment in community health and wellness since its inception in 2007. As part owner of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, the Foundation has channeled more than $130 million of its share of profits back into the community through nonprofit organizations across the Valley.

Although the grant has been beneficial, there is still unmet demand for services.

“While low-income individuals in criminal cases are entitled to a free lawyer, individuals facing civil legal problems are not,” Humm said. “Unfortunately, like many legal aid organizations, we must turn away approximately one family for every one that we help.”

In addition to legal assistance, ALSC offers self-help resources that can assist individuals in independently navigating the court system. Legal experts publish information on various issues, offer community legal education, and refer clients to other social services as needed.

Humm said this assistance has a domino effect that benefits everyone.

“Resolving serious legal problems of low-income Alaskans improves the quality of life for children, families, the elderly and disadvantaged, and for the entire community,” she said. “By helping clients, ALSC helps all Alaskans.”

FIND OUT MORE

www.alsc-law.org