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To our community,
Legal Aid of North Carolina stands united with our neighbors in this time of need. The impact of Helene will continue to be devastating, particularly in Western North Carolina, where many of us as well as friends and families are experiencing significant loss.
Our experience assisting natural disaster victims in Eastern parts of the state gives us the know-how and a blueprint for the short- and long-term legal needs of people affected in the West. As soon as NCDOT clears travel, our local teams, along with our Disaster Relief Project staff, will deploy to mountain communities affected. Donations to Legal Aid NC’s Disaster Relief efforts will support staff, mobile clinics, disaster hotline dedicated lines, pro bono case preparation, and other urgent response needs.
We will assist individuals and families with several key areas of support:
FEMA Applications and Appeals: FEMA has opened applications for 25 NC counties. We partner with community responders to engage with people who need assistance applying for FEMA disaster benefits. Our team will stand by their side throughout any obstacles and, if necessary, appeals. Understanding the legal processes and required documents to request assistance—whether for temporary housing, transportation, loans for repairs, transportation, or other essential needs—can be challenging at any time, but it is especially difficult following a crisis.
Long-term Support for Homeowners and Renters: We will support homeowners facing property damage/loss and renters dealing with displacement. Our team will provide ongoing legal support as communities rebuild and recover.
Fraud Support: In times of crisis, it is an unfortunate reality that some will seek to exploit vulnerable communities. People often give their last dollar to unlicensed contractors out of desperation. The result can be substandard, unfinished repairs or even no work done at all for the money paid. We will stand with victims of fraud, helping them navigate the legal landscape and take action against dishonest practices.
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