Disasters

Talk Justice: Episode 129

richardsons@lsc.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:00:55 +0000

Talk Justice: Episode 129 richardsons@lsc.gov Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

Buses bring lawyers to disaster-stricken communities

richardsons@lsc.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:40:23 +0000

Buses bring lawyers to disaster-stricken communities richardsons@lsc.gov Thu, 05/28/2026 - 11:40

Talk Justice: Episode 115

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:24:36 +0000

Talk Justice: Episode 115 sierra-chacona… Tue, 10/14/2025 - 16:24

Continuity of Operations Plans: Protecting Legal Aid Operations During Crisis

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:19:40 +0000

Continuity of Operations Plans: Protecting Legal Aid Operations During Crisis sierra-chacona… Wed, 09/24/2025 - 13:19

In this infographic, learn about key elements ��è��Ƶ grantees should include in their continuity of operations plans to continue client services in the wake of disasters.

Protecting Legal Aid Operations During Crisis

Grantees will learn about several key elements of continuity of operations plans (COOPs), including:

1. The lifecycle of COOP creation and maintenance,

2. Tailoring COOPs to address common disasters in their geographic areas, and

3. Ensuring open lines of communication with staff and the Board of Directors.

This collaborative infographic between ��è��Ƶ's Model Practices & Innovations and the Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center will help grantees understand the importance of detailed COOPs and how these plans can keep legal aid services going when clients need them most.

View Infographic

"Legal aid providers become lifelines during disasters, but crises can impact operations, too."

Excerpt

More on Strategic Planning

Visit this MPI topic page to explore strategic planning resources.

Explore Strategic Planning Resources

More Model Practices and Innovations

Visit this page to explore additional Model Practices and Innovations resources.

Explore Model Practices and Innovations Resources

Strategic Planning Disasters

Talk Justice: Episode 112

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:22:46 +0000

Talk Justice: Episode 112 sierra-chacona… Tue, 08/26/2025 - 16:22

��è��Ƶ Awards $1.1 Million for Emergency Disaster Legal Services in North Carolina, South Carolina and California

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:01:31 +0000

��è��Ƶ Awards $1.1 Million for Emergency Disaster Legal Services in North Carolina, South Carolina and California sierra-chacona… Mon, 06/23/2025 - 16:01

Disaster Grant Highlights

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:45:29 +0000

Disaster Grant Highlights sierra-chacona… Wed, 03/05/2025 - 14:45

Explore ��è��Ƶ's featured Disaster Grants Awards.

History of ��è��Ƶ Disaster Grants

The ��è��Ƶ (��è��Ƶ) has a long history of providing crucial support to low-income Americans affected by natural disasters. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, ��è��Ƶ has developed an extensive and coordinated program to ensure that local organizations can assist disaster survivors effectively. This initiative has grown significantly over the years, with ��è��Ƶ becoming one of the largest funders of disaster legal services, supporting numerous nonprofit legal aid programs across the United States and its territories to help communities recover and rebuild after disasters.

Increased Need for Disaster Legal Services

In recent years, ��è��Ƶ's commitment to disaster relief has intensified in response to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters.

In 2022, ��è��Ƶ awarded $38 million in grants to 19 civil legal aid organizations in regions impacted by natural disasters that occurred in 2020 and 2021. This funding, part of a $28.6 billion emergency supplemental appropriation, has enabled grantees to hire additional staff, upgrade technology, expand pro bono programs, and increase community outreach.
An allocation of $19.8 million in 2023 supported legal aid responses to disasters that occurred throughout 2022.

In addition to these large-scale grants, ��è��Ƶ has also maintained a Disaster Relief and Emergency Grant program to provide more immediate assistance to grantees following disasters. These emergency funds help legal aid programs respond quickly to urgent needs in disaster-affected communities. Highlights from these grant programs are discussed below.

Learn More about Disaster Legal Services

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Disaster Relief Emergency Grants

CA – Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles – $300,000

The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) is providing civil legal assistance to survivors of the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Wildfires through a dedicated disaster response team of staff attorneys, pro bono project attorneys, and law school fellows. LAFLA's work spans FEMA appeals, rental housing disputes, rent gouging, landlord harassment, and illegal evictions, with a strong pro bono component that is engaging a growing network of volunteer attorneys through clinics and workshops. Robust intake infrastructure, case tracking, and quality assurance practices ensure that low-income survivors receive timely, high-quality representation as recovery needs continue to evolve. LAFLA built a wide-reaching community outreach and education effort across the Los Angeles region, hosting workshops, clinics, and community events to connect wildfire survivors with legal information and services. The organization developed a comprehensive suite of multilingual resources — including Know Your Rights guides, FEMA appeal letter templates, tenant rights fact sheets, and a disaster preparedness video — all available on LAFLA's wildfire resource webpage. Through partnerships with community-based organizations, disaster case managers, law firms, and law schools, LAFLA continues to expand its reach and ensure that survivors across impacted communities can access the help they need.

CA – Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County – $300,000

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles (NLSLA) is providing critical civil legal assistance to survivors of the 2025 Eaton and Palisades Fires through its Disaster Assistance Project (DAP), a dedicated team of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff focused on disaster recovery across the region. In the first reporting period alone, NLSLA opened 187 cases and worked on a total of 386 cases overall, addressing a wide range of legal needs including housing stability, habitability concerns, FEMA appeals, public benefits, employment, and family law matters. The DAP team coordinates cases, manages referrals to pro bono partners, and ensures survivors receive the level of service — extended representation, brief advice, or referral — that best fits their situation. Following the fires, NLSLA and its partners trained over 800 volunteers and partners on disaster legal issues, hosted multiple FEMA appeals clinics, insurance clinics, a housing clinic, and a tenants' rights clinic, and distributed thousands of informational flyers across faith-based organizations, community hubs, and partner sites throughout the region. NLSLA developed and translated multilingual materials, with particular attention to Spanish-speaking survivors navigating habitability issues, and continues to share resources through its website, social media, and its extensive network of community partners, including local VOADs, tenant unions, and government agencies.

GU – Micronesian ��è��Ƶ – $243,622.4

Micronesian ��è��Ƶ (M��è��Ƶ) has provided vital civil legal assistance to low-income survivors of Typhoon Mawar across Guam and the surrounding islands through its dedicated disaster legal team. M��è��Ƶ opened disaster-related cases addressing a wide range of post-typhoon legal needs, including FEMA appeals, housing and landlord-tenant disputes, bankruptcy, guardianship, and public benefits. To support this work, M��è��Ƶ expanded its disaster legal team, strengthened intake capacity, and forged partnerships with numerous community and government agencies — including mayoral offices and social services providers — to identify survivors and connect them with legal help. Beyond direct representation, M��è��Ƶ pursued an active outreach and community education strategy to ensure survivors throughout the islands know their legal rights. In-person and online outreach efforts have extended the organization's reach broadly across Guam and beyond. M��è��Ƶ produced multilingual educational materials — translated into Chuukese, Palauan, Pohnpeian, and Marshallese — reflecting the linguistic diversity of the populations it serves and completed an island-wide tour to bring services to more remote communities. The organization is also updating its flood disaster manual, originally developed after Typhoon Yutu in 2018, to create a modernized, comprehensive resource for legal service providers both locally and nationally.

HI – Legal Aid Society of Hawaii – $438,938

The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii (LASH) continues to provide essential legal services to individuals and communities affected by the August 2023 Maui wildfires. Through its Disaster Legal Services project, LASH has rapidly mobilized to exceed its service goals, delivering critical support through full representation, limited representation, and short-term advice to those impacted by this devastating disaster. Services span multiple urgent areas including FEMA claims, unemployment benefits, document replacement, housing issues, family law, consumer matters, and mortgage counseling. LASH has quickly established itself as a primary legal service provider for disaster-related needs, building strong partnerships with numerous legal service organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to ensure comprehensive assistance.

NC – Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc. – $510,000

Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) is providing critical civil legal assistance to survivors of Tropical Storm Helene across Western North Carolina through its dedicated Disaster Relief Team. LANC conducts intake and distributes cases across staff attorneys, regional offices, and a pro bono network — ensuring survivors across a wide geographic area receive timely, high-quality representation. Legal work spans FEMA denial appeals, insurance claims, housing, wills and advance directives, and nonprofit formation support, with heir property and tax issues anticipated to grow as long-term recovery progresses. LANC's outreach efforts across Western North Carolina are equally robust, with the Disaster Relief Team participating in a high volume of community events and Long-Term Recovery Group meetings throughout the impacted region. LANC cultivated an extensive network of partners spanning libraries, health coalitions, universities, faith communities, and emergency management agencies. A dedicated Tropical Storm Helene webpage and active social media presence keep survivors and partners informed. Through this grant, LANC continues to deepen its presence in Western North Carolina, strengthening the region's capacity to connect survivors with life-changing legal help.

SC – South Carolina Legal Services, Inc. – $89628.42

South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) is working swiftly to restore its capacity to serve low-income South Carolinians following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene through its Disaster Relief Emergency Grant (DREG). The grant supported critical repairs across three SCLS office locations — Rock Hill, Spartanburg, and Greenville — ensuring that staff could continue delivering essential civil legal services without prolonged disruption to operations. Through this investment in its physical infrastructure, SCLS has strengthened its long-term ability to meet the civil legal needs of disaster-affected communities across South Carolina.

VT – Legal Services Vermont – $225,673

Legal Services Vermont (LSV) provided comprehensive legal assistance to survivors of Vermont's July 2023 flooding. The emergency funding proved crucial in enabling LSV to rapidly establish effective disaster response operations after a decade without major disasters in the state. The grant supported LSV in hiring dedicated staff, expanding helpline capacity, and developing specialized expertise in disaster-related legal issues like FEMA appeals and emergency housing concerns. The funding also allowed LSV to build strong community partnerships with local service providers, Vermont Law and Graduate School, FEMA, and Vermont VOAD, establishing a meaningful presence in affected communities through Disaster Recovery Centers and community venues.

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2022 Disaster Supplemental Grants

AK – Alaska Legal Services – $4,726,333

The Community Justice Worker (CJW) Disaster Project, led by Alaska ��è��Ƶ (A��è��Ƶ), is making significant strides in addressing disaster-related legal needs in rural and tribal communities across Alaska and, through partnerships with multiple providers, other regions of the United States. CJWs are trained non-attorney advocates recruited from within the communities they serve, leveraging local knowledge, cultural competency, and established trust networks to support disaster survivors navigating complex legal processes, particularly those involving public benefits, FEMA applications, housing issues, and other recovery matters. Now fully staffed across multiple states, the project focuses on providing culturally competent legal assistance, particularly to Native American and Alaska Native communities.

In addition to direct legal services, the project has developed a robust training program that blends online modules with jurisdiction-specific education and disaster response training, while regular virtual cohort meetings facilitate knowledge sharing among CJWs. The initiative also prioritizes outreach, strengthening connections with food banks, shelters, courts, and tribal councils to expand access to legal resources for disaster-impacted communities. National partners supporting this initiative include Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Montana Legal Services Association, DNA People's Legal Services, and Anishinabe Legal Services, each playing a vital role in extending CJW support to tribal communities across different regions.

FL – Florida Rural Legal Services – $2,494,987

Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) is enhancing legal aid capabilities in Charlotte, Desoto, Hendry, Glades, Lee, and Hardee Counties. FRLS has handled a multitude of disaster specific legal issues, including contractor disputes, insurance claims, housing problems, and FEMA appeals. The team conducts regular outreach across affected counties. FRLS has developed partnerships with numerous community organizations like CareerSource, Goodwill, and local emergency management centers to extend their reach, and continues to build its disaster legal services capacity through staff training, mentorship from Legal Services of North Florida, development of educational materials, and participation in statewide disaster response networks.

FL – Bay Area Legal Services – $1,195,404

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is focusing on enhancing legal assistance capabilities for survivors of declared disasters in Florida. The program has made substantial progress, including transitioning their Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline from a message-based system to a live line that has handled numerous calls during this period. The team has opened multiple disaster cases, exceeding their original grant goals. Additional achievements include developing "Know Your Rights" materials, implementing an Interagency Referral System, expanding their pro bono volunteer panel, and collaborating extensively with statewide legal aid partners to coordinate disaster response efforts. The program continues to strengthen its capacity through strategic staffing, community outreach, and technological enhancements to better serve low-income disaster survivors throughout Florida.

FL – Community Legal Services of Mid Florida – $1,019,294

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (CLSMF) is enhancing legal aid capabilities to better serve survivors of the 2022 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole through a four-pronged approach: providing direct legal representation to low-income survivors, expanding community outreach and education, improving disaster response capacity through enhanced digital tools and informational materials, and building stronger collaboration with legal aid partners across Florida. CLSMF has made significant progress, assisting survivors with complex legal challenges related to housing, contract issues, FEMA appeals, and other disaster-related matters while simultaneously strengthening their technological infrastructure through website improvements and SMS texting capabilities. The organization has also conducted extensive outreach, engaging nearly 3,000 individuals through in-person events and reaching over 843,000 people through various online and traditional marketing channels.

FL – Legal Services of North Florida – $1,449,881

Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF) is increasing legal aid capabilities to serve survivors of 2022 declared disasters, particularly Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. LSNF leads statewide coordination efforts among legal aid providers, developing protocols and resources to improve disaster response. The initiative includes direct legal representation to disaster survivors, community education, technology enhancements, and deployment of mobile offices to reach remote areas. The organization is actively working on developing a statewide continuity of operations plan (COOP), advancing partnerships with organizations and mentoring other legal aid providers including AppalReD and Florida Rural Legal Services through monthly meetings and site visits. Future plans include formal connections with the Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center platform and continued enhancement of technological tools to improve service delivery for disaster survivors.

IA – Iowa Legal Aid – $1,469,638

Iowa Legal Aid (ILA) is developing a comprehensive disaster legal assistance program for survivors of the December 2021 derecho that caused widespread damage across Iowa. The project focuses on four main objectives: providing direct legal services to low-income disaster survivors, building community resilience through technological enhancements, expanding outreach efforts, and collaborating with other legal aid organizations to share best practices. The program includes several innovative components, such as deploying their Justice Bus mobile intake unit to affected communities, conducting civil legal needs assessments, developing disaster-specific self-help resources, and enhancing their digital infrastructure. ILA is also coordinating with other disaster relief organizations through regular calls led by their staff, fostering knowledge sharing and collaborative approaches to disaster recovery.

KY – AppalReD – $1,345,226

Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (AppalReD) is actively implementing its 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Grant Project to enhance legal aid capabilities for survivors of the catastrophic 2022 eastern Kentucky flooding. The project operates through four key objectives: providing direct legal representation to low-income disaster survivors, improving community response capacity through updated materials and digital tools, expanding outreach to increase awareness of legal services, and enhancing service capacity in particularly rural counties through partnerships with additional providers. AppalReD's disaster team provides critical services including FEMA appeal assistance, title/ownership matters, housing issues, contractor fraud support, and estate planning. With over 1,000 survivors already assisted, the program addresses the reality that disaster-caused legal issues persist for years, providing sustained support as families face ongoing challenges including housing instability, FEMA denials, and legal barriers that threaten their recovery.

MT – Montana Legal Services Association – $473,921

Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) has provided targeted civil legal assistance to survivors of the 2022 declared disasters across the state through a dedicated Disaster Response program. Recognizing the unique challenges of serving rural and remote communities in Montana, MLSA deployed a Disaster Outreach/Intake Navigator to conduct in-person outreach across flood-impacted counties, Carbon, Park, Stillwater, and Yellowstone Counties, building connections with local community partners, tribal agencies, and emergency management personnel. To extend their reach into even the most geographically isolated areas, MLSA equipped staff with a mobile intake unit and Starlink satellite internet, enabling on-site legal services in communities where access would otherwise be limited. Over the grant period, MLSA has processed well over one hundred intake applications from flood-affected residents, providing legal advice, limited scope services, and extended representation to survivors with needs ranging from FEMA appeals and housing issues to consumer law problems. MLSA also developed and launched a continuing legal education webinar on disaster legal services, now available to pro bono attorneys statewide, expanding the network of attorneys prepared to assist survivors. Outreach materials and disaster-related resources developed under the grant are publicly available through MontanaLawHelp.org, serving as an ongoing resource for flood survivors and community advocates across the state.

ND – Legal Services of North Dakota – $785,257

Legal Services of North Dakota (LSND) is working to expand civil legal assistance to survivors of the 2022 declared disasters across the state through a dedicated disaster response team. Over the course of the grant, LSND attorneys and staff have been providing direct legal representation and counsel to low-income disaster survivors across 40 disaster-impacted counties, addressing pressing legal needs including housing instability, mobile home evictions, consumer debt disputes, and utility issues. To better understand and respond to community needs, LSND commissioned a comprehensive legal needs assessment and developed targeted outreach strategies informed by its findings, with a particular focus on mobile home communities and rural housing zones identified as high-need areas. LSND's outreach efforts are bringing legal information and resources directly to disaster survivors through community events, town halls, and clinics held at courts, libraries, and other accessible locations across the state. The program distributes disaster handouts and intake materials at outreach events, reaching hundreds of community members. LSND continues to build relationships with local partners to strengthen its ability to connect survivors with assistance. Additional investments include staff training, a strategic communications plan, and a dedicated disaster response vehicle to support ongoing and future statewide outreach — laying a foundation for continued service to North Dakotans navigating the legal aftermath of disaster.

NE – Legal Aid of Nebraska – $497,564

Legal Aid of Nebraska (LAN) strengthened the capacity of legal aid programs serving 2022 disaster survivors across the country through its Disaster Relief Mentorship Project. Over the course of the grant, LAN provided structured mentorship to Legal Services of North Dakota and Alaska ��è��Ƶ, supporting both organizations as they built and expanded their disaster relief programs. LAN staff maintained consistent engagement with mentee programs through regular meetings, targeted trainings, and resource sharing — including a virtual training series for Alaska ��è��Ƶ focused on disaster response and a FEMA appeals training. LAN also participated in national convenings, including the ��è��Ƶ-hosted Midwest Capstone Convening in Oklahoma City, where LAN staff presented alongside peer grantees. A major accomplishment of the grant was LAN's development and redesign of three core disaster handbooks — covering general disaster response, tribal communities, and agricultural issues — which were distributed to mentee organizations and made available as public resources. LAN also created planning templates, operational resources, and post-disaster training modules to equip mentee staff and Community Justice Workers with practical tools for serving disaster-affected populations, including Native American communities across multiple states. These resources reflect LAN's commitment to building durable, community-centered disaster legal aid infrastructure that extends well beyond the grant period.

NM – New Mexico Legal Aid – $1,912,440

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provided critical civil legal assistance to survivors of the devastating 2022 wildfires that burned across northern and southern New Mexico, including the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon, Cerro Pelado, and McBride fires. Through its dedicated Disaster Legal Services (DLS) team, NMLA served survivors in some of the state's most rural and underserved communities, with high poverty rates and limited access to legal resources. NMLA attorneys addressed a range of disaster-related legal needs, including FEMA claims and appeals under the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act, heir property and probate matters, housing issues, and public benefits. Reaching survivors across New Mexico's vast and remote landscape required a sustained, multilingual outreach strategy. NMLA launched a redesigned disaster legal services website with resources covering eleven legal topics, available in Spanish and five additional languages, and deployed bilingual brochures, flyers, and pro se guides through dozens of community partners statewide. The DLS team conducted community outreach events and legal clinics across multiple judicial districts, trained partner organizations on legal issue spotting and referrals, and implemented targeted radio, print, and digital advertising campaigns in disaster-impacted communities. To extend its reach even further, NMLA acquired and deployed a Mobile Intake Unit, enabling staff to bring legal services directly to survivors in hard-to-reach areas.

OK – Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma – $527,051

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (LASO) is addressing legal needs arising from the May 2022 storms and flooding that impacted multiple Oklahoma counties designated for FEMA assistance. The program combines direct legal services, substantive educational clinics throughout affected areas, and the effective deployment of a mobile intake unit that has successfully reached numerous community members. What sets this initiative apart are two key innovations. First, LASO has prioritized pro bono attorney partnerships through a dedicated website integration project, significantly improving attorney recruitment, training, and case management while expanding legal services beyond what staff attorneys alone can provide. Second, its faith-based outreach strategy, led by a dedicated Faith Community Liaison, has established unique and effective pathways for reaching disaster survivors through trusted religious organizations, strengthening connections with affected communities.

TN – West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. – $849,009

West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS) has been providing essential civil legal assistance to survivors of the 2022-declared disasters across West Tennessee and the Memphis region through its dedicated disaster response team. Over the course of the grant, WTLS attorneys have addressed a range of critical legal needs, including contractor fraud, housing-related issues, and nonprofit incorporation support for regional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) — work that strengthens the broader disaster recovery ecosystem for low-income survivors across the service area. WTLS also expanded its reach into the TN-4 service area, extending disaster legal services to additional communities in need. WTLS has built a particularly strong foundation in community outreach and education, participating in over 400 outreach events, delivering 70 presentations, and distributing nearly 20,000 informational brochures across disaster-affected counties throughout the grant period. The team has leveraged its Mobile Intake Unit to bring services directly into communities, and launched a "Legal ABCs" public video series to increase awareness of available legal resources. WTLS has cultivated a robust network of community partnerships — including with Local Emergency Planning Committees, regional VOADs, the Northwest TN Economic Development Council, and the United Way of West Tennessee — while also hosting and participating in trainings that have engaged dozens of pro bono attorneys in disaster legal services.

TX – Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid – $324,694

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) is currently implementing a 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Mentorship Grant, focused on mentoring and assisting ��è��Ƶ-funded legal service providers in their disaster response efforts. The project, which runs through 2026, provides direct mentorship to legal aid organizations establishing disaster relief projects and expands disaster response knowledge through training and resource development.

TRLA has already achieved several successes, including the development and distribution of a 10-minute FEMA Appeal Series, which consists of seven short videos covering common FEMA denial issues. The organization has also actively participated in ��è��Ƶ Disaster Grantee meetings, providing expertise on disaster response, and continues its ongoing mentorship of New Mexico Legal Aid and AppalReD Legal Aid. Additionally, TRLA is enhancing its technological capacity by developing a customized GPT tool for a Disaster AI Chatbot project, which it hopes to expand to benefit disaster survivors nationwide.

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2020-2021 Disaster Supplemental Grants

AL – Legal Services Alabama – $780,811

Legal Services Alabama (LSA) provided vital civil legal assistance to survivors of the 2020-2021 declared disasters across the state through its dedicated Disaster Response Unit. Over the three-year grant period, LSA attorneys closed just over 1,200 cases — approximately 700 with extended representation and 500 with counsel and advice or limited action services — generating roughly $3 million in economic value for clients. The most common legal needs included housing security, heir property disputes, eviction prevention, and bankruptcy relief. Additionally, LSA's outreach efforts reached approximately 8,500 individuals across Alabama over the grant period, with a dedicated disaster intake hotline receiving approximately 2,500 calls. Disaster relief toolkits and educational materials developed under the grant remain publicly available as an ongoing resource for survivors and advocates statewide.

CA – Legal Services of Northern California – $154,032

Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) strengthened disaster legal services for survivors of the 2020 and 2021 Northern California wildfires through its grant. A cornerstone achievement was the development of a centralized disaster intake system — an online inquiry portal securely linked to LSNC's case management system — enabling survivors across all 23 LSNC counties to request legal help for any disaster-related issue. LSNC also maintained active leadership within the statewide Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative (DLAC), the 2021 Dixie Fire Long Term Recovery Group, and the newly formed Plumas County VOAD, generating meaningful referral pipelines and coordinated pro bono support across the state. Building lasting internal capacity was equally central to LSNC's work. The team developed a comprehensive internal "Advocate Binder" for disaster law, established a dedicated disaster phone line, and embedded disaster legal services training into standard onboarding for all new staff and law clerks.

FL – Bay Area Legal Services – $1,153,644

Bay Area Legal Services' Disaster Relief Program has established itself as a cornerstone of hurricane recovery efforts across Florida, expanding significantly since receiving Legal Services Corporation’s disaster funding in 2020-2021. The program has built a community outreach infrastructure, attending over 200 community events between 2023-2024 and establishing strong partnerships with emergency management agencies, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD), and community organizations. In collaboration with Legal Services of North Florida, BALS developed the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline, which has evolved into a vital statewide resource, handling thousands of calls and successfully coordinating Disaster Legal Services activations. 

The program's impact extends beyond direct client services, as they've developed educational videos on disaster-related legal issues, mentored other legal aid organizations on disaster response, and received recognition in numerous media outlets including Law360. With their team's leadership in local disaster coordination efforts and recent expansion to include a mobile intake unit and disaster go-kits, Bay Area Legal Services has positioned itself as an essential component of Florida's disaster recovery ecosystem. 

FL – Legal Services of North Florida – $6,600,000

Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF) is executing a multifaceted disaster recovery program that addresses the complex legal needs of survivors from 2020-2021 disasters, particularly Hurricane Sally. The program leverages extensive community outreach, innovative technology improvements, and strategic infrastructure investments to enhance service delivery throughout North Florida. LSNF continues to advance its grant goals by conducting 100 outreach events and providing education to over 1,500 community members semiannually. The organization's mobile resource units help extend services to underserved and disaster-affected communities.

The program's technological initiatives are transforming how LSNF delivers services, with advancements including the development of the Simple Justice Helpseeker online intake system, implementation of a robust case management analytics dashboard, and creation of an offline application module to ensure continuity during disasters. Their collaborative approach is equally impressive, with LSNF maintaining strong partnerships with emergency management organizations, mentoring other legal aid providers, and working with legal aid partners throughout the state to establish a statewide disaster legal helpline. These efforts, combined with strategic staffing and infrastructure investments, position LSNF as a leader in disaster recovery legal assistance.

IA – Iowa Legal Aid – $1,830,003

Iowa Legal Aid is making significant progress in its disaster relief efforts, supporting survivors of the August 2020 derecho. The project has provided comprehensive legal assistance to hundreds of households affected by the disaster, offering services ranging from basic legal advice to extensive representation in complex cases. The team has been particularly successful in its outreach efforts, utilizing its mobile intake unit—now called the Justice Bus—at events and in rural communities.

The project continues to deliver positive outcomes for clients, with a notable increase in higher-level services, including successful negotiations with contractors and insurance companies. Additionally, it maintains strong community partnerships through active involvement with the Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council and local Community Organizations Active in Disasters, while also serving as a mentor to other legal aid organizations developing their own disaster response programs.

KY – Kentucky Legal Aid – $3,004,620

Kentucky Legal Aid's (KLA) Disaster Response Program has emerged as a vital resource for survivors of the devastating December 2021 tornadoes that tore through Western Kentucky. Through its innovative "Strike Team" approach, KLA provides comprehensive civil legal services addressing the lingering impacts that continue to affect disaster survivors. The team has successfully handled various matters providing advice and brief service and matters requiring extended representation, collectively improving the lives of survivors and their families. These services address critical needs including housing security, contractor disputes, insurance claims, and accessing government benefits.

A significant achievement of the program has been the successful implementation of a modernized case management system. KLA launched the JusticeServer platform in July 2024, creating a more accessible and efficient system for advocates serving storm survivors. This advancement allows attorneys to work remotely in communities with limited infrastructure, a crucial capability when serving rural disaster zones. The project extends throughout Kentucky, with other legal aid organizations already transitioning to the new system to create a unified statewide platform for legal services.

LA – Acadiana ��è��Ƶ – $4,713,487

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (A��è��Ƶ) has established a dedicated Disaster Unit that has served countless households affected by multiple hurricanes across Louisiana. Their work addresses critical legal needs including wills, estates, successions, income maintenance issues (including assistance through FEMA and Restore Louisiana), and contract/warranty matters.

The program's reach has expanded through the strategic deployment of two Justice Buses, enabling A��è��Ƶ to conduct over 160 in-person outreach events that have reached households across the state. The organization has also transitioned to the LegalServer case management system to support higher quality service delivery, developed professional PSA videos airing across multiple media markets, and established partnerships with various community organizations throughout the region.

LA – Southeast Louisiana Legal Services – $7,371,368

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) has provided crucial assistance to thousands of survivors across 22 parishes in the state. Through December 2024, SLLS has successfully closed 5,331 cases (3,340 as advice/brief service and 1,991 as extensive services), generating over $32 million in economic benefits for clients while maintaining 643 active cases. The organization has expanded its outreach through 68 community events, distributing nearly 37,000 informational materials and utilizing innovative approaches like the shared Justice Bus to reach underserved areas. 

The project emphasizes both immediate and long-term recovery support, addressing critical legal issues including FEMA applications and appeals, title clearing for rebuilding funds, contractor disputes, housing problems, and domestic violence cases exacerbated by disaster conditions. SLLS has strengthened its technological infrastructure by implementing a new case management system and developing comprehensive training resources. Working collaboratively with partners including the Pro Bono Project, Acadiana Legal Services, and the Louisiana State Bar Association, SLLS continues to develop innovative solutions like the new Wills Generator tool and has successfully advocated for policy changes to improve disaster recovery systems.  

NC – Legal Aid of North Carolina – $4,850,000

Legal Aid of North Carolina's (LANC) Disaster Relief Project has established itself as a wide-reaching resource for survivors of multiple declared disasters across the state, including Tropical Storm Fred, as well as Hurricanes Eta and Isaias. The project delivers comprehensive civil legal services to low-income survivors while building the long-term resilience of disaster-impacted communities. A defining strength of the project is its exceptional community outreach. This reach is amplified by LANCMobile, a custom mobile intake unit deployed since May 2024 that brings legal services directly to rural and underserved areas, as well as an expanded Library Project placing disaster-specific legal materials in public libraries across eastern and western North Carolina. LANC's direct legal services address a broad range of critical issues including heir property resolution, estate planning, FEMA appeals, flood insurance guidance, tax exemptions, and assistance navigating state recovery programs. Beyond individual representation, LANC has empowered communities through public trainings, active engagement with Long-Term Recovery Groups, and a robust online resource library and bi-annual newsletter — ensuring that disaster survivors across North Carolina have access to both legal help and the knowledge to advocate for their own recovery.

NJ – Northeast New Jersey ��è��Ƶ – $525,000

Northeast New Jersey ��è��Ƶ's (NNJ��è��Ƶ) Disaster Response Project has become a critical resource for survivors of Hurricane Ida and other 2020–2021 federally declared disasters across Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. Through a dedicated team of attorneys and outreach staff, NNJ��è��Ƶ provides comprehensive civil legal services addressing housing habitability, FEMA appeals, contractor fraud, insurance claims, and consumer protection — tailoring outreach to various populations, including seniors and tenants. During the first half of 2025, the program expanded its footprint with a new office in Union City and engaged over 50 community partners through Know-Your-Rights presentations, resource fairs, and direct outreach events. NNJ��è��Ƶ also rolled out HubSpot as a centralized CRM platform to streamline partner coordination and outreach tracking across its network of roughly 120 community partners. Complementing these efforts, staff conducted agency-wide legal issue-spotting trainings, deepening the program's capacity to serve disaster-affected communities through the grant's December 2025 close.

OK – Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma – $1,824,703

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (LASO) is providing essential legal assistance to communities affected by the 2021 Oklahoma Winter Storm. The project's innovation centers around their newly operational mobile intake unit (MIU) and supporting chaser vehicle, bringing legal services directly to disaster-affected communities throughout Oklahoma. This mobile capability allows LASO's team to reach residents in underserved and remote areas who might otherwise lack access to critical legal assistance. By taking their services on the road, LASO has significantly expanded their ability to connect with disaster survivors where they live, breaking down barriers and ensuring vulnerable populations receive the legal support they need for recovery.

The project features comprehensive outreach initiatives that have successfully reached people through educational and substantive clinics. Working in coordination with Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (OKVOAD), LASO is developing culturally appropriate content to educate communities about potential legal issues arising from disasters. Through this multi-faceted approach combining mobile outreach, strategic communications, and faith-based partnerships, LASO is successfully enhancing legal services accessibility while building stronger relationships with community organizations throughout Oklahoma.

OK – Oklahoma Indian Legal Services – $926,620

Oklahoma Indian Legal Services (OILS) is providing critical legal assistance to tribal communities affected by the 2020-2021 natural disasters in Oklahoma. The centerpiece of this initiative is the "Native Navigator," a customized mobile legal office that enables OILS attorneys to deliver services directly to rural tribal communities. Unveiled in July 2023, the Native Navigator has already proven to be an invaluable resource, allowing attorneys to conduct outreach events in previously underserved areas and significantly increasing access to legal assistance for disaster survivors.

The project also features a robust social media campaign designed specifically for tribal audiences across multiple platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Working in collaboration with the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation, OILS is developing culturally appropriate content that educates community members about potential legal issues arising from disasters and available resources. Additionally, OILS has hired specialized disaster attorneys who provide direct representation to tribal members facing legal challenges stemming from the disasters, including property title issues, probates, and housing matters. Through this multi-faceted approach, OILS is successfully enhancing legal services accessibility while building stronger relationships with tribal housing authorities, emergency management offices, and community centers throughout Oklahoma.

OR – Legal Aid Services of Oregon – $432,145

Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) successfully delivered comprehensive legal services and community outreach to survivors of Oregon's 2020 wildfires and straight-line winds disaster. Over the course of the program, LASO's Wildfire Disaster Relief Program helped clients receive and retain significant FEMA assistance and settlement funds, completing intakes across a range of legal issues including housing, insurance, FEMA appeals, public benefits, and construction contract disputes. The program built and sustained meaningful partnerships with Long Term Recovery Groups, Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (OR VOAD), Catholic Charities, and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, delivering outreach presentations to more than 80 community partners and stakeholders across the state.

PA – Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania – $294,600

Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) expanded civil legal services for low-income survivors of Hurricane Ida, which caused devastating flooding across Southeastern Pennsylvania in September 2021. Over the course of the grant, LASP represented clients in Hurricane Ida-related cases spanning housing, FEMA appeals, employment, and income maintenance, securing meaningful financial benefits and positive housing outcomes for clients across the region. LASP conducted approximately 107 outreach events, reaching an estimated 1,575 community residents with information about disaster legal aid services. LASP also maintained an active presence in the regional disaster response network through consistent participation in 168 recovery coordination meetings. Another accomplishment was LASP's integration into the Southeastern Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (SEPA VOAD) network, including election to its board of directors — a milestone that firmly established legal aid as a recognized partner in the region's disaster recovery ecosystem.

PR – Puerto Rico Legal Services – $882,140

Puerto Rico Legal Services, Inc. (PRLS) has made significant strides under its 2020-2021 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation grant in expanding legal aid services for survivors of the 2020-2021 Earthquakes, Tropical Storm Isaias, and Severe Storms and Flooding. Since the grant's inception, PRLS has opened cases across nine impacted municipalities, providing targeted legal representation to low-income individuals still grappling with the aftermath of these disasters. PRLS also created in-depth training guides, including one regarding the acquisition of property title under Puerto Rican law, equipping attorneys, paralegals, and case managers with practical tools to navigate the complex property title issues that frequently affect disaster survivors. A major technological achievement during this period was the development of a comprehensive Contract Attorney Module in PRLS’ LegalServer Case Management System (CMS), which will be made available to other legal aid organizations over time. Community outreach has been a cornerstone of PRLS's work throughout the life of this grant. PRLS staff have participated in approximately 65 outreach activities reaching an estimated 1,200 community members. These events — held in partnership with local city halls, community centers, and organizations like Casa Pueblo in Utuado — covered critical legal topics such as probate procedures, heirship declarations, eviction, and property title issues, with informational brochures distributed at each event.

TN – West Tennessee Legal Services – $1,766,992

West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS) West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS) has provided comprehensive legal assistance and community outreach to low-income survivors of 2020-2021 declared disasters across its service area.. Over the course of the grant, WTLS built a dedicated disaster response team and deployed a mobile intake unit to bring legal services directly into disaster-affected communities. Staff distributed thousands of educational brochures covering topics such as replacing lost documents, disaster legal help, and avoiding disaster relief scams, while also developing bilingual materials and maintaining an active online presence through social media and a dedicated disaster resource webpage. WTLS has strengthened its capacity to serve future disaster survivors by expanding pro bono engagement, hosting disaster legal trainings for private attorneys, and building lasting partnerships with local government agencies, health councils, veteran services offices, courts, libraries, faith-based, and community organizations across every disaster-affected county in its service area. WTLS also completed a comprehensive community asset mapping project to help staff quickly identify key contacts and resources in the aftermath of future disasters.

TX – Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas – $1,443,267

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) has enhanced legal services for survivors of the 2020-2021 disasters, particularly those affected by Winter Storm Uri. The organization established a dedicated Disaster Legal Services Unit that provides vital assistance to disaster survivors. Through extensive community outreach at Disaster Recovery Centers, preparedness fairs, and collaboration with community partners, LANWT has effectively reached vulnerable populations affected by disasters across its 114-county service area. A signature achievement under the grant was the launch of the "Legal Aid Express," an innovative mobile office unit deployed in Summer 2025 to bring legal services directly to rural and underserved communities. Complementing the mobile unit, LANWT's successful deployment of technology go-packs and implementation of an offline, remote-services module of its case management platform has enhanced the organization's disaster response capabilities, allowing staff to work effectively in areas with limited connectivity.

Disaster Grant Disasters

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Disaster Preparedness: Promoting Heartland Disaster Help

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:15:03 +0000

Disaster Preparedness: Promoting Heartland Disaster Help sierra-chacona… Fri, 12/13/2024 - 14:15

In this infographic, learn about how ��è��Ƶ grantees can integrate ��è��Ƶ's Heartland Disaster Help website into their legal aid services nationwide.

Promoting Heartland Disaster Help

Grantees will learn about how they can use ��è��Ƶ's Heartland Disaster Help (HDH) website to:

1. Keep their client populations informed about disaster preparation and recovery;

2. Share tools for communities nationwide to assess their personal risk levels; and

3. Enhance their disaster preparedness outreach.

Read about the different tools the HDH website provides for grantees nationwide that help low-income populations prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

View Infographic

“By integrating the Heartland Disaster Help website into their legal aid services, ��è��Ƶ grantees can help support community resilience and preparedness.”

Excerpt from the infographic

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Outreach Public Benefits Disaster Grant Disasters Rural

Talk Justice: Episode 94

richardsons@lsc.gov — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:47:36 +0000

Talk Justice: Episode 94 richardsons@lsc.gov Wed, 11/13/2024 - 12:47

How Oklahoma Indian Legal Services Advocates for Native Populations

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 19:28:13 +0000

How Oklahoma Indian Legal Services Advocates for Native Populations sierra-chacona… Wed, 09/25/2024 - 15:28

In this case study, learn how Oklahoma Indian Legal Services builds trust and relationships with tribal nations to deliver legal services.

Ensuring Tribal Justice: How Oklahoma Indian Legal Services Advocates for Native Populations

Grantees will learn how Oklahoma Indian Legal Services (OILS):

1. Builds trust and relationships with tribal nations through consistent in-person presence,
2. Navigates challenges and barriers to service delivery with cultural humility, and
3. Uses innovative service delivery methods like the Disaster Navigator bus.

Hear from OILS Executive Director Stephanie Hudson about lessons learned and replicable practices for ��è��Ƶ grantees serving Indigenous populations.

Read Case Study

“Over half of OILS's staff are members of tribal nations, and this diverse team helps OILS navigate the complexities of the tribal landscape."

Stephanie Hudson

Executive Director, Oklahoma Indian Legal Services

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Outreach Disaster Grant Disasters Demographics Native American Rural

Disasters

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��è��Ƶ Awards $1.1 Million for Emergency Disaster Legal Services in North Carolina, South Carolina and California

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Disaster Preparedness: Promoting Heartland Disaster Help

Promoting Heartland Disaster Help

“By integrating the Heartland Disaster Help website into their legal aid services, ��è��Ƶ grantees can help support community resilience and preparedness.”

Building Bridges Across the Digital Divide

Library Partnerships During Disaster Recovery

Free Course: Navigating Civil Legal Issues of Natural Disasters

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How Oklahoma Indian Legal Services Advocates for Native Populations

Ensuring Tribal Justice: How Oklahoma Indian Legal Services Advocates for Native Populations

“Over half of OILS's staff are members of tribal nations, and this diverse team helps OILS navigate the complexities of the tribal landscape."

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Capital Fundraising Campaign

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