2023 Disaster Relief Grants Awarded to Legal Aid Organizations
Alaska Legal Services Corporation Receives $4.7M For Natural Disaster Recovery
August 14, 2023
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615
WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding $4,726,333 to Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) to support the delivery of legal services to low-income people impacted by natural disasters in 2022.
ALSC is one of 14 organizations around the country receiving grants for this purpose. LSC, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, received $20 million of supplemental funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 passed by Congress to support this widespread natural disaster response.
After extreme weather events, victims often require immediate legal assistance to file for FEMA and insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant issues, access unemployment, or apply for replacements of important documents needed for education and medical benefits. Legal issues caused by disasters can persist for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence can emerge, and disaster victims are vulnerable to predatory scams and fraud.
“Disaster response involves so much more than physical repairs, as millions of Americans find out each year when their home or family is impacted by one of these devastating events,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Legal aid providers are integral in helping low-income families access vital services and resources that set them on the path to recovery.”
ALSC will use the funding to build a joint disaster relief resource hub and training network to support non-attorney community justice workers (CJWs) responding to twelve natural disasters in American Indian and Alaska Native communities served by ALSC, Montana Legal Services, Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Anishinabe Legal Services and DNA People's Legal Services. ALSC will be grant lead with the other legal aids as subgrantees. Alaska Native and American Indian communities are particularly vulnerable to disasters due to higher rates of poverty, food insecurity and substandard housing compared to the rest of the country. In 2022, twelve major disasters were declared in the rural communities served by the partnering organizations.
The grant will fund fourteen full-time employees for the project, as well as online training modules and online training platform support. The project will provide direct legal services to affected communities by creating a network of trained local CJWs specializing in disaster response.
Senator Lisa Murkowski and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (AK, At-Large) commended ALSC on the grant and its vital disaster relief work.
“The impacts of Typhoon Merbok left many of our communities with significant damage—and far too many Alaskan families facing challenges regarding their finances, insurance claims, housing, and more. This grant from the Legal Services Corporation is good news for many disaster survivors in Alaska—this funding will provide them with legal support while they continue recovering from the damaging impacts of Typhoon Merbok,” said Senator Murkowski.
"This grant to assist the survivors of Typhoon Merbok is encouraging news," said Rep. Peltola. "Merbok dealt millions of dollars’ worth of damage to an area of the state where resources are limited and communication with federal agencies can be slow. Many Alaskans are still struggling to navigate the FEMA application and appeals processes, and this legal assistance funding will make a real difference in their lives. Alaska came together to support the communities affected by this storm, and it's important that we continue to do so for as long as it takes to repair the damage that was done."
Florida Legal Aid Providers Receive $6.1M For Natural Disaster Recovery
August 14, 2023
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615
WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding $6,119,566 to support the delivery of legal services to low-income Floridians impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The recipients are Bay Area Legal Services (BALS), Community Legal Services of Mid Florida (CLSMF), Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) and Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF). LSC is also awarding CLSMF an additional $252,212 to cover already incurred costs from providing services related to these natural disasters.
BALS, CLSMF, FRLS and LSNF are four of the 14 organizations around the country receiving grants for this purpose. LSC, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, received $20 million of supplemental funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 passed by Congress to support this widespread natural disaster response.
After extreme weather events, victims often require immediate legal assistance to file for FEMA and insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant issues, access unemployment, or apply for replacements of important documents needed for education and medical benefits. Legal issues caused by disasters can persist for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence can emerge, and disaster victims are vulnerable to predatory scams and fraud.
“Disaster response involves so much more than physical repairs, as millions of Americans find out each year when their home or family is impacted by one of these devastating events,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Legal aid providers are integral in helping low-income families access vital services and resources that set them on the path to recovery.”
All four organizations will deploy this funding to build on their previous work partnering in response to Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. The coalition will include all seven LSC-funded organizations in the state (Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Legal Services of Greater Miami and Three Rivers Legal Services in addition to CLSMF, FRLS, CLSMF, FRLS and LSNF) and contracts with Florida Legal Services, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and other Florida civil legal aid programs. By bringing together the legal aid community with the broader disaster response community, this project will improve outcomes for survivors through increased capacity and coordinated services.
BALS will use its $1,195,404 grant to build its Disaster Relief Project’s capacity to serve survivors both in Tampa Bay and statewide by hiring additional staff. The organization will add a new pro bono initiative to train volunteers to help disaster survivors, expand direct services to clients and increase community outreach. BALS will also pursue growth of the statewide blue sky Disaster Legal Aid Helpline, and partner with other legal aid providers to strengthen Florida’s disaster response infrastructure.
With its grant for $1,019,294, CLSMF will support coordinated disaster response across Florida legal aid organizations in several ways. The project’s goal is to establish best practices to better serve survivors through infrastructure improvements and expanding access to legal services. CLSMF will provide a subgrant to Legal Services of Greater Miami to better leverage the Florida Online Intake application for disaster response and also provide small contracts to legal aid firms to provide consulting and evaluation of the initiative.
LSNF’s $1,409,881 grant will help it support recovery for Floridians who remain where the disaster occurred and those who relocated due to housing and other challenges. Coordination will include a statewide collaborative disaster conference with the entire disaster response community, the development of a statewide legal aid continuity of operations plan, mentoring other legal aid organizations providing legal services to 2022 disaster survivors, and direct provision of civil legal services to those low-income families impacted by 2022 disasters.
LSNF will enhance technology to improve client intake when the internet is not available and will broaden the use of its mobile offices to improve access to services for 2022 disaster survivors.
FRLS’ service area was the most severely impacted by Hurricane Ian. Its grant for $2,494,987 will enable the organization to provide comprehensive legal services to more low-income clients impacted by Hurricane Ian, and also support the training of pro bono attorneys for disaster response. Staff members will educate community members on disaster preparedness.
Representative Greg Steube (FL-17), Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14), Representative Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Representative Darren Soto (FL-9) commended the organizations on the grants and their vital disaster relief work.
“Hurricane recovery is costly for everyone, but it’s particularly burdensome for low-income Americans. Some legal disputes, such as FEMA appeals and construction fraud cases can persist for years. Thanks to LSC’s investment in Florida, Bay Area Legal Services and Florida Rural Legal Services will now be enabled to help more Floridians to fully recover from Hurricane Ian,” said Rep. Steube.
“Bay Area Legal Services helps Floridians find relief and pathways to justice including in the aftermath of disastrous storms like Hurricane Ian and the struggles to recover,” said Rep. Castor. “This vital support will not only bolster their work but help Floridians access important legal services to repair their livelihoods and recover insurance and housing.”
“Florida knows all too well the devastating effects that hurricanes pose to our communities. Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) serves the people of the 15th District when disaster strikes, offering disaster response services to those affected,” said Rep. Lee. “I am proud to support funding for the Legal Services Corporation that provides critical support, such as disaster relief for survivors.”
“As Central Floridians continue to face disasters and their aftermath, federal agencies may not always have the resources to help them achieve a full recovery. That is why we need partners like Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (CLMF) to be well-funded. Today, we are proud to announce a $1 million grant — funded by the 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Package passed by Congress — that will allow them to continue standing by survivors and provide essential legal aid over the course of three years,” said Rep. Soto.
Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky Receives $1.4M For Natural Disaster Recovery
August 14, 2023
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615
WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding $1,345,226 to Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky (AppalReD) to support the delivery of legal services to low-income Kentuckians impacted by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides the state faced in 2022. LSC is also awarding AppalReD an additional $144,502 to compensate for already incurred costs from providing services related to these natural disasters.
AppalReD is one of 14 organizations around the country receiving grants for this purpose. LSC, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, received $20 million of supplemental funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 passed by Congress to support this widespread natural disaster response.
After extreme weather events, victims often require immediate legal assistance to file for FEMA and insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant issues, access unemployment, or apply for replacements of important documents needed for education and medical benefits. Legal issues caused by disasters can persist for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence can emerge, and disaster victims are vulnerable to predatory scams and fraud.
“Disaster response involves so much more than physical repairs, as millions of Americans find out each year when their home or family is impacted by one of these devastating events,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Legal aid providers are integral in helping low-income families access vital services and resources that set them on the path to recovery.”
AppalReD will use this grant to add two attorneys and two paralegals to its disaster response team. The organization will continue to conduct outreach to those impacted by flooding, and will contract Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center to enhance services in the most severely affected regions.
In response to the flood, AppalReD Legal Aid and its partners launched a Flood Survivors Legal Hotline last year to address the legal needs of flood survivors and contribute to the long-term improvement of the Appalachia region. Grant funds will also be used to support this resource and to update the AppalReD and KyJustice.org websites, which will include an informational website for flood survivors with a simplified intake form.
Montana Legal Services Association Receives $473,000 For Natural Disaster Recovery
August 14, 2023
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615
WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding $473,921 to Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) to support the delivery of legal services to low-income Montanans impacted by the 2022 Yellowstone River flood.
MLSA is one of 14 organizations around the country receiving grants for this purpose. LSC, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, received $20 million of supplemental funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 passed by Congress to support this widespread natural disaster response.
After extreme weather events, victims often require immediate legal assistance to file for FEMA and insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant issues, access unemployment, or apply for replacements of important documents needed for education and medical benefits. Legal issues caused by disasters can persist for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence can emerge, and disaster victims are vulnerable to predatory scams and fraud.
“Disaster response involves so much more than physical repairs, as millions of Americans find out each year when their home or family is impacted by one of these devastating events,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Legal aid providers are integral in helping low-income families access vital services and resources that set them on the path to recovery.”
MLSA will use this grant to fund its Yellowstone Flood Relief Project. The project provides online and in-person legal information and education; community outreach; long-term pro bono attorney recruitment and support; intake, referrals, trauma-informed legal advice; and full representation to flood survivors. The focus is on FEMA appeals, insurance claims denials, document recovery, housing, bankruptcy, consumer credit, unemployment and other disaster-related problems impacting low-income people.
The funding will also help MLSA offer mobile services to remote flood-impacted communities to increase awareness of the legal services available and to locate flood survivors who need legal help. Educational efforts will help flood survivors navigate FEMA appeals, understand and enforce housing rights, assess how disaster-related payments may impact public benefits, identify scams, and connect with other vital services. MLSA will coordinate with the private bar to provide additional support to remote survivors and their communities.
Legal Aid of Nebraska Receives $497,000 For Natural Disaster Recovery
August 14, 2023
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615
WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding $497,564 to Legal Aid of Nebraska (LAN) to improve legal services for low-income people impacted by natural disasters.
LAN is one of 14 organizations around the country receiving grants for this purpose. LSC, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, received $20 million of supplemental funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 passed by Congress to support this widespread natural disaster response.
After extreme weather events, victims often require immediate legal assistance to file for FEMA and insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant issues, access unemployment, or apply for replacements of important documents needed for education and medical benefits. Legal issues caused by disasters can persist for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence can emerge, and disaster victims are vulnerable to predatory scams and fraud.
“Disaster response involves so much more than physical repairs, as millions of Americans find out each year when their home or family is impacted by one of these devastating events,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Legal aid providers are integral in helping low-income families access vital services and resources that set them on the path to recovery.”
LAN established its Disaster Relief Project (DRP) in 2015 as an initial recipient of LSC disaster funding. This new funding will allow LAN to mentor other legal services providers via its Disaster Relief Mentorship Project. The project’s goal is to support the creation of additional disaster relief projects and enhance legal aid capabilities to better serve survivors.
Representative Don Bacon (NE-2) commended LAN on the grant and its vital disaster relief work.
“I have seen firsthand the needs of families and small businesses during a disaster. I am glad to see resources being directed to local communities to get them the assistance they need in a timely fashion.” Said Rep. Bacon “This funding will be instrumental in helping Legal Aid of Nebraska guide vulnerable constituents during a time of crisis.”
New Mexico Legal Aid Receives $1.9M For Natural Disaster Recovery
August 14, 2023
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615
WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding $1,912,440 to New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) to support the delivery of legal services to low-income New Mexicans impacted by the record-setting wildfires, flooding, mudflows and straight-line winds that the state faced in 2022.
NMLA is one of 14 organizations around the country receiving grants for this purpose. LSC, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, received $20 million of supplemental funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 passed by Congress to support this widespread natural disaster response.
After extreme weather events, victims often require immediate legal assistance to file for FEMA and insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant issues, access unemployment, or apply for replacements of important documents needed for education and medical benefits. Legal issues caused by disasters can persist for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence can emerge, and disaster victims are vulnerable to predatory scams and fraud.
“Disaster response involves so much more than physical repairs, as millions of Americans find out each year when their home or family is impacted by one of these devastating events,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Legal aid providers are integral in helping low-income families access vital services and resources that set them on the path to recovery.”
NMLA will use this grant to boost legal services for disaster survivors. The funds will support the addition of two dedicated project attorneys who will conduct intensive outreach to residents of geographically isolated communities. NMLA will conduct a coordinated outreach campaign to increase awareness of the availability of free legal services and education. It will also collaborate with community organizations to distribute educational materials, conduct on-site clinics, train community partners’ staff on spotting legal issues, and create a referral process for individuals with legal needs.
In response to a surge in demand, NMLA will also work with the local courts to create and distribute self-represented litigant materials related to property law, small estate probates, and alternative documentation for disaster claims. It will provide direct representation, advice, and counsel, as well as brief services related to document replacement, boundary disputes, small estate probates, quiet title actions and all other legal issues resulting from the disaster. It will also purchase a mobile vehicle to boost its outreach efforts to disaster survivors.
Senator Martin Heinrich, Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-1) and Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-2) commended NMLA on the grant and its vital disaster relief work.
“In the midst of recovering from last year's devastating wildfire season and its aftermath, the last thing New Mexico families need are legal headaches. This funding to the New Mexico Legal Aid will provide welcome and needed free legal assistance to families as they continue to rebuild,” said Sen. Heinrich. “I will also continue pushing to make sure those recovering from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire receive the full benefit of the federal support our delegation fought to secure – and urge New Mexicans to continue working with the FEMA Claims Office early and often."
"I am thrilled the Legal Services Corporation will be awarding the New Mexico Legal Aid Association $1.5 million to help with disaster relief,” said Rep. Stansbury. “As New Mexico faces worsening drought and more frequent wildfires, this funding will be critical to helping families across our state receive the care they need. It's crucial we collaborate to get disaster victims the resources needed to rebuild their lives."
“New Mexicans are still recovering from the worst fire in our state’s history that was caused by the US Forest Service. I have called on the US Forest Service repeatedly to expedite relief to those victims, but still very few have actually received that relief,” said Rep. Gabe Vasquez. “Thank you to Legal Services Corporation for stepping up and awarding this $1.5 million grant to New Mexico Legal Aid to assist survivors of the wildfires and extreme weather. We have a long road to recovery, and this grant and support will help New Mexicans come back stronger.”
Legal Services of North Dakota Receives $785,000 For Natural Disaster Recovery
August 14, 2023
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615
WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding $785,257 to Legal Services of North Dakota (LSND) to support the delivery of legal services to low-income North Dakotans impacted by severe winter storms, flooding, snow and winds in 2022.
LSND is one of 14 organizations around the country receiving grants for this purpose. LSC, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, received $20 million of supplemental funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 passed by Congress to support this widespread natural disaster response.
After extreme weather events, victims often require immediate legal assistance to file for FEMA and insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant issues, access unemployment, or apply for replacements of important documents needed for education and medical benefits. Legal issues caused by disasters can persist for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence can emerge, and disaster victims are vulnerable to predatory scams and fraud.
“Disaster response involves so much more than physical repairs, as millions of Americans find out each year when their home or family is impacted by one of these devastating events,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Legal aid providers are integral in helping low-income families access vital services and resources that set them on the path to recovery.”
The funding will support LSND’s comprehensive disaster relief project. The goal is to create a comprehensive and scalable system capable of providing immediate, effective legal support to low-income residents impacted by the disaster. The organization will hire three staff members to address the acute legal challenges and general support needs of affected individuals. LSND will also aim to leverage technology tools to extend its services to more people.
The grant will enable a new dedicated webpage to share information, provide resources and streamline case management. It will include features such as real-time updates on relief efforts, FAQs, and access to legal forms and resources. The grant will also support outreach efforts. LSND is also getting a vehicle and installing four legal kiosks in the impacted areas.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Receives $569,000 For Natural Disaster Recovery
August 14, 2023
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615
WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding $527,051 to Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (LASO) to support the delivery of legal services to low-income Oklahomans impacted by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in 2022. LASO will also receive a grant for $42,391 to cover costs already incurred from providing services related to these natural disasters.
LASO is one of 14 organizations around the country receiving grants for this purpose. LSC, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, received $20 million of supplemental funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 passed by Congress to support this widespread natural disaster response.
After extreme weather events, victims often require immediate legal assistance to file for FEMA and insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant issues, access unemployment, or apply for replacements of important documents needed for education and medical benefits. Legal issues caused by disasters can persist for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence can emerge, and disaster victims are vulnerable to predatory scams and fraud.
“Disaster response involves so much more than physical repairs, as millions of Americans find out each year when their home or family is impacted by one of these devastating events,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Legal aid providers are integral in helping low-income families access vital services and resources that set them on the path to recovery.”
LASO will use the funding to enhance its services to disaster survivors throughout the state. Staff members will provide legal services to disaster-impacted clients in Oklahoma via direct representation and dozens of substantive clinics. They will also boost disaster-related education through improvements to the Oklahoma Disaster Legal Help website. LASO will continue to develop successful faith-based outreach to educate Oklahoma faith communities and leaders about the critical nature of post-disaster civil legal services.
LASO will also develop curriculum and training materials with other LSC-funded disaster response programs to assist organizations who are new to the disaster response field.
Representative Tom Cole (OK-4) commended LASO on the grant and its vital disaster relief work.
“The tornadoes and severe storms and flooding from last year deeply affected many lives across our state,” said Rep. Cole. “As many are still trying to recover from the destruction, I am delighted that the Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Legal Services will receive these substantial grants to help Oklahomans and our state’s Native communities get back on their feet. These worthwhile investments will certainly bring some good back to Oklahoma.”
West Tennessee Legal Services Receives $849,000 For Natural Disaster Recovery
August 14, 2023
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615
WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding $849,009 to West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS) to support the delivery of legal services to low-income Tennesseans impacted by severe winter weather in 2022. Two storms were FEMA-declared disasters.
WTLS is one of 14 organizations around the country receiving grants for this purpose. LSC, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, received $20 million of supplemental funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 passed by Congress to support this widespread natural disaster response.
After extreme weather events, victims often require immediate legal assistance to file for FEMA and insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant issues, access unemployment, or apply for replacements of important documents needed for education and medical benefits. Legal issues caused by disasters can persist for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence can emerge, and disaster victims are vulnerable to predatory scams and fraud.
“Disaster response involves so much more than physical repairs, as millions of Americans find out each year when their home or family is impacted by one of these devastating events,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Legal aid providers are integral in helping low-income families access vital services and resources that set them on the path to recovery.”
WTLS will use the funding to support its disaster legal program. Hiring additional staff members will allow the organization to increase its ability to educate affected client populations on disaster-related issues and strengthen disaster-response networks. WTLS will collaborate with local governments and regional, statewide and national partners to help survivors navigate disaster recovery.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Receives $678,000 For Disaster Recovery
August 14, 2023
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615
WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding $678,606 to Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) to support the delivery of legal services to improve services to disaster survivors.
TRLA is one of 14 organizations around the country receiving grants for this purpose. LSC, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, received $20 million of supplemental funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 passed by Congress to support this widespread natural disaster response.
After extreme weather events, victims often require immediate legal assistance to file for FEMA and insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant issues, access unemployment, or apply for replacements of important documents needed for education and medical benefits. Legal issues caused by disasters can persist for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence can emerge, and disaster victims are vulnerable to predatory scams and fraud.
“Disaster response involves so much more than physical repairs, as millions of Americans find out each year when their home or family is impacted by one of these devastating events,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Legal aid providers are integral in helping low-income families access vital services and resources that set them on the path to recovery.”
TRLA staff are experienced in disaster response. Over the past six years, the organizations has served low-income Texans in several disasters including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, flooding in 2018 and 2019, the El Paso Walmart Shooting in 2019, Hurricane Hanna in 2020, and Winter Storm Uri in 2021. The disaster team continues to serve clients affected by the pandemic and the devastating 2022 school shooting in Uvalde.
In collaboration with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and Iowa Legal Aid, TRLA will use this funding to develop digital informational materials and virtual training sessions for recipients of LSC disaster funding who are less experienced in disaster work. Dubbed the “Disaster University,” these materials will directly address gaps in knowledge present among various legal aid disaster programs across the country.
These materials will be published on the Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center webpage, LADRC.org. This digital hub provides legal resources and critical information for legal aid professionals and pro bono volunteers nationwide. TRLA will also serve as a mentor to other disaster grant award recipients.
Representative Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16) commended TRLA on the grant and its vital disaster relief work.
“Extreme weather events like Winter Storm Uri devastated South Texas communities, and many households are still in need of legal assistance in their aftermath. I want to thank the Legal Services Corporation for providing Texas RioGrande Legal Aid with a natural disaster response grant for $600,000 to help more South Texas residents get back on their feet,” said Rep. Cuellar, a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “This funding is in addition to the $251,529 grant I announced last year with Legal Services Corporation, and it will assist with free legal aid services in Atascosa County, Laredo, Rio Grande City, and San Antonio within the 28th Congressional District of Texas. Thank you to Legal Services Corporation President Ronald S. Flagg and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Executive Director Robert Doggett for their commitment and dedication to South Texas.”
“This month marks 4 years since a white supremacist attacked my community of El Paso, Texas and took 23 lives and injured 22 others,” said Rep. Escobar. “El Paso remains on a path towards peace, with many families still dealing with the financial hardships of recovery, including continued medical care, therapy, and so much more. I’m grateful to Legal Services Corporation (LSC) for renewing their commitment and grants to Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) and the work to ensure survivors have the resources and legal aid they need so they can continue to focus on their recovery.”