At Urban Resource Institute (URI), we believe safety is a human right—and that access to justice is essential to achieving it.

Survivors often hesitate to leave the security of shelter to navigate intimidating court systems or government agencies. Fear of encountering the person who caused harm, unfamiliar legal processes, and past trauma can make seeking justice feel overwhelming or unsafe. In response, URI launched the Legal Education and Advocacy Program (LEAP) in 2006 to bring trusted, trauma-informed legal support directly into shelter—meeting survivors where they live, heal, and rebuild their lives.

Why LEAP?
Survivors deserve more than immediate safety. They deserve justice, stability, and dignity.

Many survivors are unfamiliar with legal systems and face serious risks without guidance, including loss of custody, income, housing, or immigration status. Immigrant survivors may face additional threats of deportation or coercion tied to sponsorship. Others may be criminalized for actions taken in self-defense or for behavior forced through abuse.

LEAP exists to remove these barriers. By combining legal education, advocacy, and representation, LEAP helps survivors navigate complex systems with clarity, confidence, and support.

Who We Serve
LEAP serves approximately 250 survivors and families each year, providing essential support in family and immigration law with a focus on underserved and immigrant communities across New York City.

In addition to direct services, LEAP trains URI staff and shelter residents on key legal issues such as family law, immigration remedies, and orders of protection. The team collaborates across URI programs to develop legal education workshops that strengthen advocacy, improve service coordination, and ensure survivors can access the legal options available to them.