two people shaking hands

fixing the DISASTER Justice Gap 

We're staunch advocates for the principle that every survivor of a disaster deserves unfettered access to the vital support they need. Our programs are designed to bridge the gap for those caught in the challenging scenario known as the 'disaster justice gap,' where available assistance is scarce despite the pressing need being immense.

Legal accessibility ● Free Community Clinics ● TRAININGS

Legal accessibility

We aim to be a credible, collaborative, mobile-friendly legal resource for our community. While there are numerous disaster assistance resources, many people need help navigating the system due to confusing and inaccessible terminology. Our accessibility programming seeks to fix this. We create free legal information that turns the often oppressive language of legalese into something that everyone can use.

A road leading towards a setting sun, with a waterway on the right and trees on the left, seen from the front of a vehicle.
A woman and a man are sitting across from each other at a table in a library. The woman is wearing business attire and appears to be conducting an interview or consultation with the man, who is wearing a casual t-shirt and a hat. There are papers, a
Tree fallen across a driveway blocking a white car parked nearby; surrounding fence and residential buildings visible.
A classroom or seminar room with adult attendees seated and facing a presentation screen. Two presenters, a woman and a man, stand at the front. The screen displays contact information in multiple languages.
A brick wall with a bulletin board displaying two posters and a suspended metal book return box labeled 'BOOK RETURN.'
A damaged white mobile home with a blue tarp on the roof and broken window, surrounded by debris, broken branches, and damaged roofing materials, under a partly cloudy sky.
Signages on a checkered tablecloth read, "Emergency Legal Responders" and "Free Legal Aid!" in an outdoor setting with a wooden fence and plants behind them.
Two women sitting at a round table having a discussion in a cafe with brick walls, wooden floors, and potted plants.
People sitting under a canopy outside a brick building with a red door, having a meal together on a sunny day.
A man and a woman, both wearing face masks, sit across from each other at a table in a library, engaging in a discussion with papers and pens on the table.

Free Community Clinics

We work with local legal aid, nonprofits, and community partners to coordinate in-person legal clinics where survivors can get immediate access to legal information and assistance. Designed to provide direct assistance on the most common and challenging legal issues that arise after a disaster, these clinics promote individual recovery, family stability, and community development. We bring help to the survivor’s doorstep, allowing us to track legal outcomes for those in need. 

Follow us on Social Media for updates on future community clinics.

A river with houseboats moored along the bank, surrounded by trees and vegetation, under a clear sky.
Two men sitting at a table in a room with ping pong tables. One man is wearing a gray plaid shirt and has a coffee cup in front of him, while the other man, wearing a yellow hoodie and a camouflage baseball cap, faces away from the camera.
A damaged house with a collapsed roof, surrounded by debris and fallen trees after a storm or hurricane.
People sitting at tables in a library, some reading or talking, with bookshelves in the background.
Three people having a serious conversation in a room with brick walls and large windows.
Woman in red sweater working on a laptop, talking on a landline phone, in an office with brick wall, bag, food, and coffee on the desk.
A woman giving a presentation at a training titled 'Disaster Legal Services Introductory Training' in a classroom. She is standing next to a table with a laptop, microphone, water bottle, and papers, pointing upwards with her right hand. There is a l

TRAININGS

We provide specialized training for social service providers, attorneys, advocates, and disaster responders. Our webinars and in-person education sessions focus on disaster-related issues, equipping legal and social service professionals to handle post-disaster challenges effectively. We tailor each presentation to the specific needs of the group, recognizing that disaster response is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Additionally, our "Clinic in a Box" model offers organizations tangible resources to enhance their direct community services. Please reach out to us to discuss the best fit for your organization.

  • When provided with legal disaster tools, we believe that social service providers are in a unique position to help their service base. All trainings are taught by ELR attorneys who are experts in disaster law and strive to keep up to date on the ever-changing developments in FEM guidance. Each training is specifically tailored to the audience's needs and the social service providers' requests.

  • We recruit, train, and coordinate attorney volunteers through the robust network we have developed with law schools, law firms, state and local bar associations, and aid organizations throughout the country. From webinars to in-person training, we prepare volunteers and legal service providers for the unexpected challenges they may encounter while assisting clients. Leveraging volunteer support is essential to sustaining long-term recovery efforts for disaster-affected communities.

GET INVOLVED

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