In 2011, I volunteered at New Hampshire Legal Assistance developing an evaluation strategy for a medical-legal partnership program that encouraged community health centers to refer patients with legal needs to NHLA advocates.
The advocates address the fundamental needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Take, for example, Brianne, a single mother trying to make ends meet after leaving an abusive relationship. When the heat in her apartment broke, one of Brianne’s sons began getting sick as a complication of his asthma. Brianne would miss work to stay home with him, jeopardizing her job, their sole source of income. After one phone call from NHLA, the landlord replaced the broken boiler.
This one case saved a family teetering on the edge of poverty and homelessness. NHLA provides this kind of advocacy for thousands of people each year.
When I read of Gov. Chris Sununu’s budget recommendation cutting $850,000 from NHLA’s requested state funding, I was completely shocked. NHLA is resourceful about ensuring vulnerable people have access to legal advice and representation to protect their most basic needs. I have seen how efficient and effective NHLA is, building support from nearly 40 different funding sources to manage a fiscally responsible budget; and frankly, given what this organization contributes to our state, it should be provided with the resources to meet the full demand for their services.
I strongly encourage readers to please call your senator and representatives and urge them to support $1.5 million a year in funding for New Hampshire Legal Assistance.
JENN ALFORD-TEASTER
Bradford