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Disaster Legal Services

Since 2007, DLS has responded to 222 disasters in 45 states and 5 U.S. territories.

Active Disaster Hotlines

Maine Severe Storm and Flooding (2024)

Hotline: 207-774-8211

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Washington Wildfires (2024)

Hotline: (509) 557-0301

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Michigan Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding (2024)

Hotline: (888) 743-5749

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West Virginia Floods (2024)

Hotline: (866) 255-4370

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Tennessee Tornadoes (2023)

Hotline: (844) 4357486

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Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding (2023)

Hotline: (312) 341-1070

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Hawaii Wildfires 2023

Hotline: (888) 533-2773

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All Disasters (Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center)

Legal resources and critical information for legal aid professionals, pro bono volunteers, and the disaster survivors they assist for past disaster declarations in the U.S.

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General Disaster Resources

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Locator

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible facilities and mobile offices you can visit to learn more about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs.

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Disaster Legal Services Pro Bono Portal

Attorneys can help on the ABA/Paladin National Disaster Pro Bono Portal. Find pro bono opportunities, including those helping victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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DisasterAssistance.gov

The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s (DAIP) mission is to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance.

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Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center

Legal resources and critical information for legal aid professionals, pro bono volunteers, and the disaster survivors they assist.

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Advocates for Disaster Justice

Advocates for Disaster Justice provides up-to-date resources and offer trainings to legal aid attorneys and staff, pro bono attorneys, and law students across the country working on disaster response and recovery issues.

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National Disaster Legal Services Hotline

Survivors of disasters can call 1-888-743-5749 to find information on resources in their state.

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Disaster Distress Helpline

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. Call 1-800-985-5990.

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Disaster Aid Links

Plus, find information on the YLD's disaster legal aid partners.

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DLS Publications
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Meeting the Legal Needs of Disaster Survivors: Third Responders

This volume brings together some of the United States’ most knowledgeable experts on disaster law to provide a critical resource for pro bono attorneys and other stakeholders to understand the essentials of disaster law practice.

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Disaster Legal Services Articles

What do YLD Disaster Legal Services members do? Read about it here with coverage from the American Bar Association.

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CLE Opportunities from PLI
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New Developments in Climate Disaster Response & Resilience

With climate change continuing to impact communities all over the country, what should lawyers know about recent developments in this field? This program will explore trending topics in climate disaster response and offer attendees an update on legal service and pro bono efforts after recent events impacting Florida and Puerto Rico. This CLE program is free and will be available on-demand for one year.

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Learn about Emerging Issues in Disaster Response

There have been over 300 federal major disaster declarations across the United States and territories in the past five years. During the response and recovery phases, the legal issues that individuals face often go unnoticed. "Current and Emerging Issues in Disaster Response: Legal Strategies and Practices for Helping Survivors," a program from Practising Law Institute, will provide attendees a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape after a disaster.

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Disaster Legal Services Team