Hunter Homelessness Law and Advocacy Service (HHLAS)

Through SHARE's Legal Assistance Program Sparke Helmore has partnered with Mission Australia, in conjunction with other stakeholders, to pilot a holistic law and advocacy service catering to the homeless, those at risk of homelessness and the disadvantaged in Newcastle and the Hunter region of New South Wales (NSW).

Partly funded by a grant to Mission Australia from the Law & Justice Foundation of NSW, the service is the first of its type in regional Australia.

HHLAS provides pro bono legal advice and referral, support and advocacy services, to people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, in clinic locations in Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Upper Hunter regions of NSW.

People receiving assistance through HHLAS confront a number of issues which can become protracted when the basic necessities of accommodation, sustenance and security dominate.

These issues include welfare payment problems, family and criminal law issues, domestic violence, general debt and bankruptcy, housing and tenancy related matters.

HHLAS clinics commenced in November 2006, and Sparke Helmore has provided pro bono assistance and advocacy to a range of individuals and facilitated their referral to Legal Aid, the Hunter Community Legal Centre and the University of Newcastle Legal Centre.

Mission Australia also assists clients of the service with welfare advocacy and referral for accommodation and other community support services.

For further information

Email share@sparke.com.au or contact Michael Rosenfeld, Pro Bono & Community Programs Director.

Alternatively, contact your nearest Sparke Helmore office.