The Crucial Role of Legal Services in Disaster Recovery

As North Carolina recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, survivors face a complex web of legal challenges that can delay their recovery. From securing insurance claims and FEMA benefits to navigating landlord-tenant disputes and replacing vital documents, the legal hurdles survivors face are just as critical as rebuilding homes and infrastructure.

Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) has been on the frontlines, helping over 700 individuals and families access legal resources, advocate for their rights, and ensure they are not overlooked in the recovery process. So far, we’ve opened 464 cases, with many clients dealing with landlord-tenant issues, FEMA benefit confusion, and the urgent need to replace identification documents.

The need for legal assistance in disaster recovery cannot be overstated. Survivors like Meredith Childress from Burnsville face not only the loss of their homes but also the overwhelming burden of navigating a maze of legal obstacles. After flooding destroyed her home, Meredith was left with mountains of paperwork, including mortgage obligations she could no longer meet. With LANC’s help, we are negotiating with her mortgage company to reduce her debt, ensuring she can begin rebuilding her life.

This is where the partnership between LANC, the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) , the American Bar Association , and other legal nonprofits through the Disaster Legal Services (DLS) program becomes vital. As part of the joint disaster relief hotline (866-219-5262), LANC is the trusted source for disaster-related legal services in North Carolina, offering free legal advice and services to those who need it most. Through this program, we have referred over 100 individuals to additional resources and continue to connect survivors with the help they need.

LANC's support extends beyond immediate relief. We provide long-term legal assistance with housing, mortgage, landlord-tenant disputes, and insurance claims. Our self-help resource library, featuring videos and resources on topics like replacing lost documents and applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, ensures that survivors have access to essential information when they need it most.

Legal aid is about more than rebuilding homes—it’s about rebuilding lives. It empowers survivors with the knowledge to make informed decisions, protects them from fraud, and gives them hope for a better future. With the right legal support, survivors can navigate the road to recovery with confidence, knowing their rights are protected.