Indiana Legal Services (ILS) is now offering free legal aid in East Chicago at First Baptist Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the North Township Trustee’s Office on Wednesdays for East Chicago residents affected by the lead crisis.
These office hours are part of ILS’ new Lead Safe East Chicago Legal Project funded by a Disaster Relief Emergency Grant from the Legal Services Corporation located in Washington, D.C.
“The environmental crisis caused by the former lead smelting plant has had a huge negative impact on many low-income East Chicago residents,” said Mark Mora, the Legal Project managing attorney. “We are here to make sure everyone who is eligible to receive services gets the services they need, including relocation and education assistance.”
HealthLinc, which operates a community health center in East Chicago at 1313 West Chicago Avenue, is partnering with ILS on this project to provide health testing.
“The project is also available to persons who have lived in the affected area for many years but have moved away recently,” added Mora.
Office hours will be held at the following times and places in East Chicago:
Tuesdays & Thursdays
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
First Baptist Church
4911 McCook Avenue
Wednesdays
12:00 p.m. (Noon) – 4:00 p.m.
North Township Trustee’s Office
2100 Broadway, Suite 4
If these times are not convenient, please call 219-293-8650 to schedule a meeting through Indiana Legal Services’ Merrillville office.
Additional support for the project comes from Reverend Doug Sloss of the First Baptist Church and Frank J. Mrvan, the North Township Trustee.
