Our Shelter Advocacy Project, formerly the Legal Clinic for the Homeless, provides advice, advocacy, and limited scope representation on urgent and unmet legal needs of people experiencing homelessness in New York City.

Esther Lutaya Mafouta March, a legal analyst, is a new and fiercely dedicated advocate of the project. Esther joined the Shelter Advocacy Project as a volunteer at its weekly clinic for “new” New Yorkers, which focused on providing access to life-essential resources to people beginning their journeys in New York City. Esther quickly became a familiar face at the clinic, volunteering on a number of occasions over 7 months, often for a full day of service.

As a French speaker, Esther helped to bridge a vital communication gap and helped dozens of clinic attendees apply for identification documents, qualifying public benefits, and access to shelter accommodations that met their accessibility needs.

Esther’s work exemplifies that you do not need to be an attorney to make a meaningful impact on the live of those in need of pro bono assistance. The compassion and patience she exhibited while working with clinic attendees positively influenced the lives of those who were trying to navigate the challenges of starting over in a new country and finding a sense of belonging in their new communities. By volunteering, she helped to break down barriers and made clients feel safe, valued, and welcome.

Esther seeks to continue with her advocacy as an ongoing SAP volunteer, which showcases her dedication to assisting others. We cannot wait to continue working with Esther.

We are extremely delighted to present Esther with a 2025 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award.