Unity House program brings legal help to underserved Hoosick Falls

HOOSICK FALLS – People living in rural communities often times don’t have easy access to the judicial system. The organization Unity House is now trying to change that.

A Unity House satellite office at 80 Church St. in Hoosick Falls opened in May. They provide a number of services to people in rural Rensselaer County.

"We’re doing things like connecting them to a food pantry, connecting them to doctors, looking for apartments, helping with housing, helping with entitlements like benefits," explained Sarah McGaughnea, the Unity House Specialty Program Director.

Now they’ve started the Community Court Access Program. You can sit at a table in the Hoosick Town Court, and advocates will help you with any court matter you need taken care of.

"We’re doing things like powers of attorney…emergency orders of protection, emergency custody. I think there is some option in there for drug court," said McGaughnea.

The services are free and confidential. You can make an appointment or walk in.

Learn about the difference McGaughnea says she hopes this makes in the community by watching the video of Emily De Vito’s story.

MORE INFORMATION: Unity House