How to Get Help From or Get Involved With africanservices.org

Updated

africanservices.org is the website of a multi-service human rights agency in Harlem that supports New York City newcomers from across the African diaspora. If you need help, the site offers a "Get Help" pathway; if you want to support the work, there is a "Get Involved" pathway. The agency provides wraparound services under one roof — health, housing, legal, social welfare, education, and food pantry — so clients do not have to navigate multiple agencies on their own.

Who this is for

The organization serves New York City newcomers from Africa and the Caribbean. According to the site, it has supported individuals and families from the African diaspora for over 45 years, with more than 1,200 clients receiving direct services each year and a 10,000+ outreach community. Its team represents 15 countries and 20 languages, and many staff share similar journeys to the clients they serve.

If you are a newcomer in NYC looking for stability and independence, or a community member who wants to strengthen this work, the two pathways below are your starting points.

Getting help: services you can request

The agency groups its support into six programs. Each is delivered directly by staff who work with clients one-on-one.

Service What it covers
Health Services Free and confidential testing, prevention, referrals, counseling and mental health support, women's and maternal health education, and a pathway to affordable primary care
Housing Services A Rental Housing Program that helps eligible clients navigate New York City's housing systems and secure apartments
Legal Services Free legal services for eligible New Yorkers, including consultations and direct representation
Social Welfare Case management and supportive counseling shaped by the needs and experiences of the communities served
Education Free English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESOL) and computer literacy classes for work, communication, and daily life
Pantry Services A food pantry serving over 5,000 individuals and families annually

How to start

  1. Go to africanservices.org and look for the Get Help option.
  2. Identify which service area matches your need — for example, housing, legal, health, food, education, or social welfare.
  3. Follow the intake or contact information provided for that service. Because eligibility rules apply to some programs (housing, legal services, and primary care referrals in particular), be ready to describe your situation when you reach out.
  4. If you are unsure which program fits, start with social welfare case management — it is designed to connect clients to the right support.

A real example from the site's Stories of Impact: a client who fled political persecution in Cameroon came to the U.S. with her three children. Legal staff helped her file an asylum application and secure her first interview, and when no decision was issued, the attorney continued to assist. This illustrates how the legal program works in practice — direct representation, not just a referral.

Getting involved: supporting the work

The site's Get Involved pathway is for community members who want to help strengthen the organization. The homepage also carries a "Support Our Community" and "Help Strengthen Our Community" call to action.

Ways to participate typically include donating, volunteering, or partnering — check the Get Involved section of the site for the current options and any requirements, since these can change.

Common questions

Do I have to be a recent arrival to qualify? The agency describes its focus as New York City newcomers from across the African diaspora. If you are unsure whether you qualify for a specific program, contact them through the Get Help pathway — eligibility varies by service.

Is everything free? The site describes health services as free and confidential, legal services as free for eligible New Yorkers, and ESOL/computer classes as free. Housing and other programs use eligibility criteria. The site does not publish pricing for any service, so confirm details when you make contact.

What if I don't speak English? The team represents 20 languages across 15 countries, and ESOL classes are available. Language support is part of the model, not an add-on.

Where are they located? In Harlem, serving New York City. Use the site's contact information for the exact address and current hours before visiting.