A Devastating Storm, A New Challenge
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit Far Rockaway, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Debra Roman’s apartment was flooded, and mold began to grow throughout the building. For Debra, who was already battling cancer, staying in that apartment became impossible as her health worsened. Without repairs from her landlord, she made the difficult choice to leave her home and enter New York City’s shelter system.
“I had to leave the place and go into the system to find somewhere safe to live.”
Debra spent the next seven years moving from shelter to shelter, hoping for a stable place to rest and rebuild her life.
A New Home, A New Challenge
In 2019, she was able to secure a small apartment in Queens—a step towards reclaiming her independence. But her relief was short-lived.
Just a month after moving in, Debra received a letter that left her shaken: she was told she owed $3,000 in back rent. Debra feared that this debt would put her back on the streets, and the legal documents that came with it were confusing and hard to understand.
“All kinds of feelings went through my mind. Now I’m going to become homeless again!”
Legal paperwork can be intimidating for anyone, but for Debra, it was particularly overwhelming. She didn’t feel confident that she could navigate the legal language in the letters she received, nor did she know what steps to take to challenge the claim. “It’s scary when you don’t understand the documents. I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I needed help,” Debra explains.
A Lifeline in the Form of Legal Aid
That’s when Debra turned to Open Hands Legal Services, and thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, she didn’t have to face this challenge alone. Our team helped her understand what the documents meant, assisted her with the necessary paperwork, and guided her through every step of the process.
“They don’t represent you in court, but they help you understand what you’re going through. They make you feel like you’re not alone, like someone is walking with you,” says Debra. With the help of Open Hands, Debra was able to resolve the rent issue without having to go to court. She kept her home, and she found a renewed sense of hope and stability.
“Thank God for Open Hands helping people like me. They made me feel comfortable, like I could trust them.”
The Power of Community
Debra’s story is a powerful reminder of how crucial legal aid can be, especially for those facing complex issues like housing disputes. Without Open Hands’ guidance and the support of donors, she might have been left to navigate a confusing and costly legal battle on her own.
“I would recommend Open Hands 100% to anyone who needs help. Without them, I don’t know what I would have done.”
Debra’s journey shows the real difference that supporters like you make. Because of your generosity, people like Debra don’t have to face these challenges alone. You make it possible for us to offer free legal help to those who can’t afford it, ensuring that no one is left without a fighting chance.
You can make a difference for New Yorkers like Debra. Your gift ensures that more people like Debra receive the help they need, free of charge. Donate today and bring hope to those in need.