The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii (LASH) continues to provide essential legal services to individuals and communities affected by the August 2023 Maui wildfires. Through its Disaster Legal Services project, LASH has rapidly mobilized to exceed its service goals, delivering critical support through full representation, limited representation, and short-term advice to those impacted by this devastating disaster. Services span multiple urgent areas including FEMA claims, unemployment benefits, document replacement, housing issues, family law, consumer matters, and mortgage counseling. LASH has quickly established itself as a primary legal service provider for disaster-related needs, building strong partnerships with numerous legal service organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to ensure comprehensive assistance. 

Legal Services Vermont (LSV) provided comprehensive legal assistance to survivors of Vermont's July 2023 flooding. The emergency funding proved crucial in enabling LSV to rapidly establish effective disaster response operations after a decade without major disasters in the state. The grant supported LSV in hiring dedicated staff, expanding helpline capacity, and developing specialized expertise in disaster-related legal issues like FEMA appeals and emergency housing concerns. The funding also allowed LSV to build strong community partnerships with local service providers, Vermont Law and Graduate School, FEMA, and Vermont VOAD, establishing a meaningful presence in affected communities through Disaster Recovery Centers and community venues. 

The Community Justice Worker (CJW) Disaster Project, led by Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC), is making significant strides in addressing disaster-related legal needs in rural and tribal communities across Alaska and, through partnerships with multiple providers, other regions of the United States. CJWs are trained non-attorney advocates recruited from within the communities they serve, leveraging local knowledge, cultural competency, and established trust networks to support disaster survivors navigating complex legal processes, particularly those involving public benefits, FEMA applications, housing issues, and other recovery matters. Now fully staffed across multiple states, the project focuses on providing culturally competent legal assistance, particularly to Native American and Alaska Native communities.

In addition to direct legal services, the project has developed a robust training program that blends online modules with jurisdiction-specific education and disaster response training, while regular virtual cohort meetings facilitate knowledge sharing among CJWs. The initiative also prioritizes outreach, strengthening connections with food banks, shelters, courts, and tribal councils to expand access to legal resources for disaster-impacted communities. National partners supporting this initiative include Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Montana Legal Services Association, DNA People's Legal Services, and Anishinabe Legal Services, each playing a vital role in extending CJW support to tribal communities across different regions.

Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) is enhancing legal aid capabilities in Charlotte, Desoto, Hendry, Glades, Lee, and Hardee Counties. FRLS has handled a multitude of disaster specific legal issues, including contractor disputes, insurance claims, housing problems, and FEMA appeals. The team conducts regular outreach across affected counties. FRLS has developed partnerships with numerous community organizations like CareerSource, Goodwill, and local emergency management centers to extend their reach, and continues to build its disaster legal services capacity through staff training, mentorship from Legal Services of North Florida, development of educational materials, and participation in statewide disaster response networks. 

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is focusing on enhancing legal assistance capabilities for survivors of declared disasters in Florida. The program has made substantial progress, including transitioning their Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline from a message-based system to a live line that has handled numerous calls during this period. The team has opened multiple disaster cases, exceeding their original grant goals. Additional achievements include developing "Know Your Rights" materials, implementing an Interagency Referral System, expanding their pro bono volunteer panel, and collaborating extensively with statewide legal aid partners to coordinate disaster response efforts. The program continues to strengthen its capacity through strategic staffing, community outreach, and technological enhancements to better serve low-income disaster survivors throughout Florida.

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (CLSMF) is enhancing legal aid capabilities to better serve survivors of the 2022 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole through a four-pronged approach: providing direct legal representation to low-income survivors, expanding community outreach and education, improving disaster response capacity through enhanced digital tools and informational materials, and building stronger collaboration with legal aid partners across Florida. CLSMF has made significant progress, assisting survivors with complex legal challenges related to housing, contract issues, FEMA appeals, and other disaster-related matters while simultaneously strengthening their technological infrastructure through website improvements and SMS texting capabilities. The organization has also conducted extensive outreach, engaging nearly 3,000 individuals through in-person events and reaching over 843,000 people through various online and traditional marketing channels.

Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF) is increasing legal aid capabilities to serve survivors of 2022 declared disasters, particularly Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. LSNF leads statewide coordination efforts among legal aid providers, developing protocols and resources to improve disaster response. The initiative includes direct legal representation to disaster survivors, community education, technology enhancements, and deployment of mobile offices to reach remote areas. The organization is actively working on developing a statewide continuity of operations plan (COOP), advancing partnerships with organizations and mentoring other legal aid providers including AppalReD and Florida Rural Legal Services through monthly meetings and site visits. Future plans include formal connections with the Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center platform and continued enhancement of technological tools to improve service delivery for disaster survivors.

Iowa Legal Aid (ILA) is developing a comprehensive disaster legal assistance program for survivors of the December 2021 derecho that caused widespread damage across Iowa. The project focuses on four main objectives: providing direct legal services to low-income disaster survivors, building community resilience through technological enhancements, expanding outreach efforts, and collaborating with other legal aid organizations to share best practices. The program includes several innovative components, such as deploying their Justice Bus mobile intake unit to affected communities, conducting civil legal needs assessments, developing disaster-specific self-help resources, and enhancing their digital infrastructure. ILA is also coordinating with other disaster relief organizations through regular calls led by their staff, fostering knowledge sharing and collaborative approaches to disaster recovery. 

Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (AppalReD) is actively implementing its 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Grant Project to enhance legal aid capabilities for survivors of the catastrophic 2022 eastern Kentucky flooding. The project operates through four key objectives: providing direct legal representation to low-income disaster survivors, improving community response capacity through updated materials and digital tools, expanding outreach to increase awareness of legal services, and enhancing service capacity in particularly rural counties through partnerships with additional providers. AppalReD’s disaster team provides critical services including FEMA appeal assistance, title/ownership matters, housing issues, contractor fraud support, and estate planning. 

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (LASO) is addressing legal needs arising from the May 2022 storms and flooding that impacted multiple Oklahoma counties designated for FEMA assistance. The program combines direct legal services, substantive educational clinics throughout affected areas, and the effective deployment of a mobile intake unit that has successfully reached numerous community members. What sets this initiative apart are two key innovations. First, LASO has prioritized pro bono attorney partnerships through a dedicated website integration project, significantly improving attorney recruitment, training, and case management while expanding legal services beyond what staff attorneys alone can provide. Second, its faith-based outreach strategy, led by a dedicated Faith Community Liaison, has established unique and effective pathways for reaching disaster survivors through trusted religious organizations, strengthening connections with affected communities.

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) is currently implementing a 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Mentorship Grant, focused on mentoring and assisting LSC-funded legal service providers in their disaster response efforts. The project, which runs through 2026, provides direct mentorship to legal aid organizations establishing disaster relief projects and expands disaster response knowledge through training and resource development.

TRLA has already achieved several successes, including the development and distribution of a 10-minute FEMA Appeal Series, which consists of seven short videos covering common FEMA denial issues. The organization has also actively participated in LSC Disaster Grantee meetings, providing expertise on disaster response, and continues its ongoing mentorship of New Mexico Legal Aid and AppalReD Legal Aid. Additionally, TRLA is enhancing its technological capacity by developing a customized GPT tool for a Disaster AI Chatbot project, which it hopes to expand to benefit disaster survivors nationwide.

Bay Area Legal Services' Disaster Relief Program has established itself as a cornerstone of hurricane recovery efforts across Florida, expanding significantly since receiving Legal Services Corporation’s disaster funding in 2020-2021. The program has built a community outreach infrastructure, attending over 200 community events between 2023-2024 and establishing strong partnerships with emergency management agencies, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD), and community organizations. In collaboration with Legal Services of North Florida, BALS developed the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline, which has evolved into a vital statewide resource, handling thousands of calls and successfully coordinating Disaster Legal Services activations.

The program's impact extends beyond direct client services, as they've developed educational videos on disaster-related legal issues, mentored other legal aid organizations on disaster response, and received recognition in numerous media outlets including Law360. With their team's leadership in local disaster coordination efforts and recent expansion to include a mobile intake unit and disaster go-kits, Bay Area Legal Services has positioned itself as an essential component of Florida's disaster recovery ecosystem.

Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF) is executing a multifaceted disaster recovery program that addresses the complex legal needs of survivors from 2020-2021 disasters, particularly Hurricane Sally. The program leverages extensive community outreach, innovative technology improvements, and strategic infrastructure investments to enhance service delivery throughout North Florida. LSNF continues to advance its grant goals by conducting 100 outreach events and providing education to over 1,500 community members semiannually. The organization's mobile resource units help extend services to underserved and disaster-affected communities.

The program's technological initiatives are transforming how LSNF delivers services, with advancements including the development of the Simple Justice Helpseeker online intake system, implementation of a robust case management analytics dashboard, and creation of an offline application module to ensure continuity during disasters. Their collaborative approach is equally impressive, with LSNF maintaining strong partnerships with emergency management organizations, mentoring other legal aid providers, and working with legal aid partners throughout the state to establish a statewide disaster legal helpline. These efforts, combined with strategic staffing and infrastructure investments, position LSNF as a leader in disaster recovery legal assistance.

Iowa Legal Aid is making significant progress in its disaster relief efforts, supporting survivors of the August 2020 derecho. The project has provided comprehensive legal assistance to hundreds of households affected by the disaster, offering services ranging from basic legal advice to extensive representation in complex cases. The team has been particularly successful in its outreach efforts, utilizing its mobile intake unit—now called the Justice Bus—at events and in rural communities.

The project continues to deliver positive outcomes for clients, with a notable increase in higher-level services, including successful negotiations with contractors and insurance companies. Additionally, it maintains strong community partnerships through active involvement with the Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council and local Community Organizations Active in Disasters, while also serving as a mentor to other legal aid organizations developing their own disaster response programs.

Kentucky Legal Aid's (KLA) Disaster Response Program has emerged as a vital resource for survivors of the devastating December 2021 tornadoes that tore through Western Kentucky. Through its innovative "Strike Team" approach, KLA provides comprehensive civil legal services addressing the lingering impacts that continue to affect disaster survivors. The team has successfully handled various matters providing advice and brief service and matters requiring extended representation, collectively improving the lives of survivors and their families. These services address critical needs including housing security, contractor disputes, insurance claims, and accessing government benefits.

A significant achievement of the program has been the successful implementation of a modernized case management system. KLA launched the JusticeServer platform in July 2024, creating a more accessible and efficient system for advocates serving storm survivors. This advancement allows attorneys to work remotely in communities with limited infrastructure, a crucial capability when serving rural disaster zones. The project extends throughout Kentucky, with other legal aid organizations already transitioning to the new system to create a unified statewide platform for legal services. 

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) has established a dedicated Disaster Unit that has served countless households affected by multiple hurricanes across Louisiana.  Their work addresses critical legal needs including wills, estates, successions, income maintenance issues (including assistance through FEMA and Restore Louisiana), and contract/warranty matters.

The program's reach has expanded through the strategic deployment of two Justice Buses, enabling ALSC to conduct over 160 in-person outreach events that have reached households across the state. The organization has also transitioned to the LegalServer case management system to support higher quality service delivery, developed professional PSA videos airing across multiple media markets, and established partnerships with various community organizations throughout the region.

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) has provided crucial assistance to thousands of survivors across 22 parishes in the state. Through December 2024, SLLS has successfully closed 5,331 cases (3,340 as advice/brief service and 1,991 as extensive services), generating over $32 million in economic benefits for clients while maintaining 643 active cases. The organization has expanded its outreach through 68 community events, distributing nearly 37,000 informational materials and utilizing innovative approaches like the shared Justice Bus to reach underserved areas.

The project emphasizes both immediate and long-term recovery support, addressing critical legal issues including FEMA applications and appeals, title clearing for rebuilding funds, contractor disputes, housing problems, and domestic violence cases exacerbated by disaster conditions. SLLS has strengthened its technological infrastructure by implementing a new case management system and developing comprehensive training resources. Working collaboratively with partners including the Pro Bono Project, Acadiana Legal Services, and the Louisiana State Bar Association, SLLS continues to develop innovative solutions like the new Wills Generator tool and has successfully advocated for policy changes to improve disaster recovery systems. 

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (LASO) is providing essential legal assistance to communities affected by the 2021 Oklahoma Winter Storm. The project's innovation centers around their newly operational mobile intake unit (MIU) and supporting chaser vehicle, bringing legal services directly to disaster-affected communities throughout Oklahoma. This mobile capability allows LASO's team to reach residents in underserved and remote areas who might otherwise lack access to critical legal assistance. By taking their services on the road, LASO has significantly expanded their ability to connect with disaster survivors where they live, breaking down barriers and ensuring vulnerable populations receive the legal support they need for recovery.

The project features comprehensive outreach initiatives that have successfully reached people through educational and substantive clinics. Working in coordination with Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (OKVOAD), LASO is developing culturally appropriate content to educate communities about potential legal issues arising from disasters. Through this multi-faceted approach combining mobile outreach, strategic communications, and faith-based partnerships, LASO is successfully enhancing legal services accessibility while building stronger relationships with community organizations throughout Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Indian Legal Services (OILS) is providing critical legal assistance to tribal communities affected by the 2020-2021 natural disasters in Oklahoma. The centerpiece of this initiative is the "Native Navigator," a customized mobile legal office that enables OILS attorneys to deliver services directly to rural tribal communities. Unveiled in July 2023, the Native Navigator has already proven to be an invaluable resource, allowing attorneys to conduct outreach events in previously underserved areas and significantly increasing access to legal assistance for disaster survivors.

The project also features a robust social media campaign designed specifically for tribal audiences across multiple platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Working in collaboration with the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation, OILS is developing culturally appropriate content that educates community members about potential legal issues arising from disasters and available resources. Additionally, OILS has hired specialized disaster attorneys who provide direct representation to tribal members facing legal challenges stemming from the disasters, including property title issues, probates, and housing matters. Through this multi-faceted approach, OILS is successfully enhancing legal services accessibility while building stronger relationships with tribal housing authorities, emergency management offices, and community centers throughout Oklahoma.

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) is enhancing legal services for survivors of the 2020-2021 disasters, particularly those affected by Winter Storm Uri. The organization has established a dedicated Disaster Legal Services Unit that continues to provide vital assistance to disaster survivors. Through extensive community outreach at Disaster Recovery Centers, preparedness fairs, and collaboration with community partners, LANWT is effectively reaching vulnerable populations affected by disasters.

The innovative mobile office unit, named "Legal Aid Express,” is currently under development with delivery expected in Spring/Summer 2025. This mobile resource will dramatically improve LANWT's ability to reach rural and underserved communities. Meanwhile, the successful deployment of technology go-packs and implementation of an offline, remote-services module of LANWT’s case management platform has already enhanced the organization's disaster response capabilities, allowing staff to work effectively in areas with limited connectivity. The project's comprehensive approach—combining dedicated staff, technological solutions, and strategic outreach—positions LANWT to provide increasingly effective legal assistance to disaster survivors throughout their service area.