Securing Disaster Relief: Advocating for Legal Aid in Times of Crisis
In the aftermath of devastating natural disasters like the recent fires in California and the flooding in North Carolina and Florida, communities face enormous challenges, including accessing essential legal services. The American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Disaster Legal Services (DLS) team has been at the forefront of providing critical pro bono disaster legal aid to those affected.
The DLS program, in partnership with the federal government, helps disaster survivors navigate legal issues such as housing disputes, insurance claims, and recovery of vital documents. Funded through federal disaster relief packages, this program ensures that low-income individuals and families can rebuild their lives with the support of the legal profession. These services are especially vital when insurance denials or legal technicalities create barriers to recovery.
As Congress deliberates supplemental disaster relief funding, the ABA urges members to advocate for the inclusion of disaster legal aid in relief packages. Disaster legal services must be a recognized and funded priority to maintain equitable access to justice during crises.
Call to Action: How You Can Help
We stand at the start of a new Congress where many new members need to be educated on these programs. To help, ABA members are encouraged to visit the ABA’s Congressional Messaging Portal that is powered by Quorum to send a pre-formatted letter to their representatives. This letter highlights the indispensable role of legal aid in disaster response and recovery and appeals for sustainable funding for these services in relief legislation.
Mobilizing our collective voice can ensure lawmakers prioritize disaster legal aid, solidifying the legal profession's commitment to justice and equity in the hardest-hit communities.
Let’s unite to ensure that legal services remain a cornerstone of disaster recovery.