Disaster Relief
How We Help > Programs and Projects > Disaster Relief
Disaster Relief Project
Manager: Shirley Peng
The Disaster Relief Project provides information and legal assistance to victims of state-declared disasters that result from flooding, tornadoes and other natural disasters. The Disaster Relief Project has developed a network of volunteer attorneys across the state who will offer free legal assistance to victims of state-declared disasters. We also host disaster preparedness workshops and presentations for the general public and provide ongoing training and webinars for volunteer attorneys.
Common Legal Issues We Help With
Insurance Issues
Including submitting claims, avoiding public adjuster fraud, negotiating insurance settlements, and filing an appeal.
Housing - Renters
Including identifying your rights as a renter of a damaged unit, facilitating communication with your landlord, negotiating early termination of a lease, resolving issues with renter’s insurance claims, and recovering personal items from damaged rental units.
Contractor Fraud Issues
Including hiring a contractor and avoiding fraud, reviewing work contracts/estimates, obtaining proper work permits for repairs, passing city inspection, and recognizing and preventing predatory lending.
Government Benefits
Including applying for benefits and/or filing an appeal for denial of benefits, benefit award disagreement, or overpayment notices.
Housing - Owners
Including negotiating payments, understanding your options in real estate contracts, and obtaining disaster assistance.
Document Recovery
Including replacing lost documents (driver’s licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards, EBT cards, etc.) and replacing immigration documents.
How We Help:
We, with the help of pro bono attorneys, provide information, referrals, advice, self-help services, limited assistance and representation to qualifying low-income victims of state-declared disasters. The type of assistance we provide depends upon your situation, the legal issue and Legal Aid’s resources. Our services are free to those who qualify.
How to apply for Services:
Disaster Relief Hotline
1-844-268-5627
