The DLS program is designed to help survivors navigate the aftermath of presidentially-declared disasters. Volunteers are crucial in the days, weeks, and months after major natural disasters. Express interest using our Volunteer Interest Form, and we'll be in touch when opportunities arise.
Disaster Legal Services
Since 2007, DLS has responded to 254 disasters in 45 states and 5 U.S. territories.
Donate to Disaster Legal Services
The Disaster Legal Services Program relies on philanthropy to serve disaster survivors and help rebuild their lives. Thank you for providing free civil legal aid in disaster-prone areas.
Connecticut Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides (2024)
Hotline: (860) 612-2038
Vermont Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (2024)
Hotline: 800-889-2047
Illinois Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds and Flooding (2024)
Hotline: 888-743-5749
South Dakota Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds and Flooding (2024)
Hotline: 605-444-3719
West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides (2024)
Hotline: 866-255-4370
Massachusetts Severe Storms and Flooding (Extended 2024)
Hotline: 888-743-5749
Kentucky Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Landslides, and Mudslides (2024)
Hotline: (859) 993-0300
Mississippi Severe Storms, Flooding, Winds and Tornadoes (2024)
Hotline: 877-691-6185
Iowa Severe Storms, Flooding, Winds and Tornadoes (2024)
Hotline: 866-761-4692
Kentucky Severe Storms, Winds, Tornadoes, Landslides and Mudslides (2024)
Hotline: 859-993-0300
Nebraska Severe Storms, Winds and Tornadoes (2024)
Hotline: (844) 268-5627
Alaska Severe Storms, Landslides and Mudslides (2024)
Hotline: (888) 478-2572
Oklahoma Severe Storms, Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding (2024)
Hotline: (888) 602-8494
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.
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.
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.
Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center
Legal resources and critical information for legal aid professionals, pro bono volunteers, and the disaster survivors they assist.
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.
National Disaster Legal Services Hotline
Survivors of disasters can call 1-888-743-5749 to find information on resources in their state.
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.
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.
Disaster Legal Services Articles
What do YLD Disaster Legal Services members do? Read about it here with coverage from the American Bar Association.
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.
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.