This spring’s historic flooding in Nebraska affected thousands across the state, causing millions of dollars in damage. Legal Aid’s Disaster Relief Project immediately got to work, offering free legal assistance for low-income survivors of Nebraska’s floods, through both online resources and a network of trained volunteer lawyers across the state. Most low-income flood survivors are without adequate insurance, have limited resources, and lack knowledge of their options. Housing, jobs, utilities, health care, and transportation can have setbacks, some of which may not even arise until weeks or months after the disaster.
The Disaster Relief Project attended Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) in Wood River, Fremont, Valley, Niobrara, Columbus, Dannebrog, and Bellevue. While at the MARCs, staff spoke to flood survivors, distributed information about the Disaster Relief Hotline and other disaster resources, and processed applications for assistance.
“Disaster legal services are incredibly important in long-term recovery after a disaster,” said Shirley Peng, Disaster Relief Project managing attorney. “Legal Aid of Nebraska has been working hard with the disaster recovery teams in the state to make sure people are aware of our services and are able to reach out for guidance in the recovery process.”
Legal Aid has processed 281 applications for disaster relief assistance. Disaster survivors can apply through the Disaster Relief Hotline at 1-844-268-5627 or at LawHelpNE.org. The Rural Response Hotline, staffed by Legal Aid’s Farm and Ranch Project Manager Michelle Soll, has also seen an uptick in calls. The hotline offers financial and legal resources, helping over 225 farm and ranch families affected by the floods and blizzards that hit Nebraska in March.
“We expect our numbers to increase as our farmers and ranchers were hit at such a trying time with financial distress already being a concern,” Soll said.
Legal Aid is grateful to all of the attorneys who have volunteered to provide pro bono legal assistance to disaster victims.
