Legal Aid Society’s Justice Bus brings vital resources to Brooklyn
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — The Legal Aid Society's Community Justice Unit (CJU) is making waves in Brooklyn with its innovative Mobile Justice Bus Tour.
On Thursday, the Justice Bus made a significant stop at Tompkins Houses in Bedford-Stuyvesant, offering free legal resources to residents as part of a summer-long initiative targeting 31 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments.
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Viola Gantt, a long-time resident of Tompkins Houses since 1989, was pleasantly surprised to find the Justice Bus parked outside her complex. "I think it's great that they come around to the community, to the less fortunate community to explain and try to help the people," Gantt remarked.
For Gantt, the timing of the Justice Bus's visit was opportune. "I have been looking to speak to somebody about something," she explained. "My daughter had informed me that somebody would be here, and also other people that I know. They were telling me about Legal Aid Society."
The Mobile Justice tour aims to reach communities most impacted by poverty, racism, over-policing, and housing issues.
Takeasha Newton, the lead community organizer for the CJU, emphasized the importance of their work.
"It's very important in areas like this because our community members are being targeted in these underserved communities and NYCHA developments specifically," Newton stated.
Newton also highlighted that the tour is part of a broader effort to combat gun violence and promote safety in the community.
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"We are done with the gun violence that our communities are facing. We do not want any more deaths, especially our youth. We want them to put the guns down. We want a safe summer," she stated.
For residents like Gantt, the Justice Bus provides a valuable opportunity to access legal resources right in their neighborhood.
"This is my first time dealing with this situation, and she explained to me that they could help me out," Gantt said, expressing relief at finding assistance for her legal concerns.
