Legal Kiosk at The Open Door Alleviates the Digital Divide

GLOUCESTER— A free legal kiosk recently installed at The Open Door will improve digital access for local people navigating the justice system. 

The kiosk was provided by the Western New England University School of Law’s Legal Kiosk project. The program installs the kiosks at host sites, community spaces serving low-income people, to address digital inequity and systemic social injustice.  

“We’re thankful to have the opportunity to serve as a host site and help reduce barriers to access when it comes to internet, technology, and the legal system,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “And as folks stop by, we can connect them to free groceries, meals to-go and in-person, SNAP support, and other food resources to help provide stability. Having one less thing to worry about means a lot when you’re on the cusp.” 

Located at The Open Door Gloucester Food Pantry at 28 Emerson Ave., the new kiosk will support people looking to apply for legal help, browse legal resources, fill and submit forms pertaining to their case, black and white printing, and more.  

The Open Door welcomes visitors to access the kiosk by appointment, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. To make an appointment to access the kiosk, sign-up at theopendoorappointments.as.me/kiosk. 

The kiosk can connect people to resources pertaining an array of legal topics including: 

• Housing 

• Healthcare 

• Education 

• Family/Children/Divorce 

• Immigration 

• Debt 

• Employment 

• Criminal records, crime and traffic 

“The legal kiosk provides access to legal information, legal assistance, and the courts: ‘one stop shopping’ for everything the public needs to address a legal problem,” said WNE School of Law Center for Social Justice Director Judge Dina Fein. “The Center for Social Justice at Western New England University School of Law is grateful that The Open Door stepped up to host a kiosk, and we look forward to working together to address the legal needs of their visitors.” 

According to a 2021 study by the Pew Research Center, 43% of low-income adults do not have access to broadband services at home and 41% do not have a laptop or desktop computer at home.  

The kiosks are ADA accessible, offer a reliable internet connection, and secure. Each kiosk has software which wipes the device after each use. 

About The Open Door  

The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. 

Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. In 2023, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 9,836 people from 4,952 households through the distribution of 1.98 million pounds of food. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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