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Abuse Restraining Orders / Domestic Violence / Sexual Abuse

Things you should know about Legal Help:

A person who is currently homeless has the right to apply for general assistance from the town or city in which they find themselves regardless of residency; he/she has the right to fill out an application and receive a written decision, and if he/she needs assistance with emergency housing the local welfare office should handle his/her case to timely address the need for immediate housing. A person who is homeless has the right to apply for and receive food stamps despite the lack of a permanent address. A person who is currently staying in a homeless shelter has all of the rights that are listed under the state's rules found at Chapter He-M 300, "Rights of Persons Using Emergency Shelter." These rights include being treated with dignity and respect, and the right to file a grievance before being evicted from a shelter unless it is for posing a direct threat to someone's health or safety. A person who is homeless has the right to use and enjoy public spaces in the same manner allowed under the law to any other member of the public. A person who is homeless has the right to apply for any state or federal assistance or benefits (such as welfare, unemployment or disability benefits) despite a permanent address. A child who is homeless has the right to continue their education in the school in which they are currently enrolled and to finish out the school year even after they are located in permanent housing. A person who is homeless has the right to emergency medical treatment in a hospital's emergency room when emergency care is necessary.