Through its Safety Net grantmaking, the Foundation has remained committed to ensuring that low-income populations have access to civil legal services; the County's emergency food distribution network continues to meet the needs of the hungry in our communities; and those at risk of homelessness are able to receive services to help them remain in their homes. Applications for safety-net grants are by invitation only.

Access to Legal Services

The Task Force to Expand Access to Civil Legal Services in New York issued its report to the Chief Judge of the State of New York in November, 2010.  The report documents the widespread lack of civil legal representation among low income New Yorkers.  The deep recession has increased the number of New Yorkers in poverty, who through changed circumstances find themselves in legal trouble and have few or no resources to pay for an attorney.  These cases involve such essentials of life as employment and public benefits; health insurance or medical bills; and domestic disputes, including domestic violence, child and spousal support, and child custody.

According to the report, 98% of tenants in eviction cases are unrepresented, and 95% of parents in child support matters are unrepresented.  Judges report that many valid claims are lost because the unrepresented often do not present evidence or understand the law.

The costs to society from these civil cases are huge.  Domestic violence victims who do not understand their legal rights or are unable to act on them are often in danger or serious harm or even death.  Children who are homeless have great difficulty keeping up with their school work, thus perpetuating the cycle of poverty.  Families that might remain in their homes through negotiation are made homeless, resulting in expensive shelter services.

To support access to civil legal services, the Westchester Community Foundation is investing in legal services provided by Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), which works with the County’s low income residents and victims of domestic violence.  A grant of $65,000 was awarded to LSHV in 2011.

Hunger and Homelessness

The Foundation remains committed to meeting the needs of the County's hungry and helping residents remain in their homes.  The Foundation awarded $45,000 through its Healthy Food Initiative in 2011.  To help residents remain in their homes, a grant of $35,000 was awarded to The Bridge Fund of Westchester, and a grant of $10,000 was awarded to the Hispanic Resource Center of Larchmont and Mamaroneck.

For more information, contact Laura Rossi-Ortiz, Program Officer, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (914) 948-5166 x 4.

2011 Awards