The Definitive Guide to North Penn Legal Services in Williamsport

Overview of North Penn Legal Services

North Penn Legal Services has served low-income individuals in Pennsylvania since 1966. The organization is dedicated to "providing equal access to justice by providing civil legal services to low-income persons, preventing homelessness and mitigating the effects of poverty." North Penn Legal Services helps over 5,000 low-income people per year with legal aid cases that involve Child Custody, Protection from Abuse (PFA), Foreclosure, Consumer/Debt Collection cases and many more . Their mission speaks to the vision of a community where all persons have equal access to the justice system. For over 56 years, North Penn Legal Services has based their practice and not-for-profit upon this philosophy, and has upheld their commitment to serving vulnerable clientele in Williamsport – as well as the surrounding areas.

Overview of Legal Services

North Penn Legal Services in Williamsport offers a range of legal assistance to help income eligible individuals navigate and resolve a variety of civil legal issues. Among the services provided by North Penn Legal Services are housing matters for renters and homeowners, consumer issues, family law matters, and public benefits representation.
When it comes to housing, North Penn Legal Services helps low-income tenants with eviction defense, landlord/tenant disputes, housing discrimination complaints, and housing code enforcement. For homeowners, their housing law assistance covers foreclosure defenses, home repair and sale issues, foreclosures, and mortgage document review.
For those facing consumer issues, North Penn Legal Services assists with identity theft, debt collection harassment, unlawful wage garnishment, credit reporting errors, auto repossession, deposit account freezes, and more. When it comes to family law matters, they can help with divorces, equitable distribution of marital property, alimony, child support, grandparent support, spousal support, custody disputes, termination of parental rights, and adoption.
In the area of public benefits, North Penn Legal Services represents clients with Social Security/Social Security disability issues, state programs, and cash assistance such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps). They also offer representation for individuals with government benefits denial appeals and denials for housing and utility benefits.

Requirements and Intake

Eligibility for services with North Penn Legal is generally based upon income and residency. In some cases, the type of service sought and the merits of the case will also come into consideration.
North Penn Legal Service assists low-income individuals and families with housing issues (such as evictions and foreclosures), worker rights, domestic relations matters (including divorce, custody and child support), unemployment compensation matters, public and private benefits (such as disability), elder law issues, and consumer matters (such as bankruptcy).
To qualify for services with North Penn Legal Services, one must be a low-income resident of Lycoming County, Sullivan County, or Tioga County. The current income guidelines are based upon the Department of Health and Human Services poverty income standards, plus 150%:
A person whose income is within those limits is eligible for legal services to the extent the type of legal problem is one which we handle and there is not an exclusion.
If it is determined that the legal issue is one that North Penn Legal handles, the potential client will then have to fill out an application and provide some documentation regarding his or her financial situation. This information is gathered in order for North Penn Legal to determine if the person qualifies for the services. After reviewing the information, the issue will be assigned to an attorney if the income criteria is met.

Address and Contact

Located in the heart of Williamsport, North Penn Legal Services occupies a central position within the community. The office is situated at 320 S. Logan Boulevard, Suite 104, Williamsport, Pennsylvania 17701. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible for those in need of legal assistance from all over Lycoming County.
Contacting North Penn Legal Services is straightforward. Interested individuals can place a call to the firm at (570) 322-6571 for general inquiries or to schedule an appointment. The office welcome visitors on weekdays , operating from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For those looking to connect via email, they can reach out to [email protected].
Those who rely on public transportation will find the office conveniently reachable by bus. The Wells Fargo area is the nearest bus stop, making it easy to access the firm for both clients and attorneys. Importantly, the office is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that it can accommodate clients with mobility challenges.

Case Examples and Impact

Over the years, countless individuals and families in the Williamsport community have benefitted from the invaluable services provided by North Penn Legal Services. Many have gone on to achieve personal and professional success, crediting the support they received from the organization for enabling them to access critical legal resources.
The story of "John", a former North Penn Legal Services client, illustrates the profound impact that legal assistance can have on an individual’s life. When John first reached out to North Penn, he was struggling to make ends meet after losing a sizeable portion of his income. Despite his desperate situation, John was afraid that seeking legal aid might make his services less affordable. Instead, he decided to navigate a complex family legal matter on his own.
"I thought I could handle it," John recalls. "But I didn’t know the law like they did, and I got taken advantage of in the process."
Eventually, John contacted North Penn Legal Services and was connected with an attorney who fought hard to protect his rights. They were able to successfully resolve his legal issues, allowing John to access the benefits he needed to remain stable and provide for his family.
Many others have shared similar stories about how North Penn Legal Services helped them navigate a complicated legal system. One single mother, "Michelle", faced eviction from her apartment when her landlord failed to maintain the property’s plumbing. With North Penn Legal Services’ legal guidance, Michelle was able to keep her home and negotiate with her landlord to make necessary repairs.
"The feeling of having nobody on your side is horrible," Michelle says. "North Penn Legal Services not only provided me with a voice, but they also helped me stay in my home. I don’t know what I would have done without them."
These testimonies are just a few among many that reflect the essential role that North Penn Legal Services plays in supporting the most vulnerable members of the Williamsport community. They are a constant reminder of the importance of accessible legal services and the difference they make on the ground.

How You Can Help

The community plays an essential role in helping North Penn Legal Services achieve its mission, which is to provide critical legal aid services and advocate for those who cannot afford legal representation. Individuals, businesses, and organizations can contribute to the greater good in a number of ways.
Volunteering your time and skills is one of the most direct ways to support North Penn Legal Services. Whether you are an experienced attorney or have an administrative skill set, volunteers are an invaluable resource. North Penn Legal Services welcomes volunteers throughout the organization, including with administrative tasks, client intake and screening, research, and legal representation for low-income clients. For those in the legal profession who are not Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys, staff members strive to match you with a case that fits your skill set and interests.
Donations are another powerful way to make a difference. While North Penn Legal Services receives some funding from the government, these funds only cover a small portion of its expenses . Private donations ensure the continued availability of programs and services to families and individuals in need.
Partnerships with other local businesses and organizations can also serve as a tremendous asset to North Penn Legal Services. Businesses that offer in-kind services can have a profound impact on the success of organization. Your business can coordinate an event to raise awareness of North Penn Legal Services. Develop a volunteer day as a team-building exercise for your employees. If you have a professional background, consider offering pro bono services to help the organization achieve its mission.
North Penn Legal Services meets a critical need in our community. Where low-income individuals would otherwise go unaided, North Penn Legal Services aims to represent people who cannot afford legal assistance. With the support of the community, North Penn Legal Services can continue to provide the same high level of service and access to justice.