(TAMPA, Fla.) – As National Weather Service forecasters predict more frequent and severe disasters, legal aid professionals are stepping in as "second responders," providing free disaster services to vulnerable communities in the wake of a storm.
These critical services—including FEMA appeals, contractor disputes, insurance claims, and more—are primarily funded by grants through the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).
LSC recently held a forum in Tampa to discuss how legal aid organizations across Florida have contributed to disaster response and preparedness, as well as the lessons learned following Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton.
Among the speakers at the forum was Peter Dennis, managing attorney of Florida Rural Legal Services’ (FRLS) Fort Myers office, who spoke of the creative, collaborative efforts among LSC-grantees.
After introductory remarks from John G. Levi, LSC’s Board Chair; Judge Darren Farfante of the 13th Judicial Circuit; and Christina Hansen, the LSC Disaster Grants Program Counsel, the forum invited several speakers from leading legal aid organizations across Florida to share insights on disaster legal aid. The speakers included:
- Jason Susalla, Managing Attorney (Disaster Relief Team), Bay Area Legal Services
- John Martino, Director of Litigation, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
- Greg Strader, Regional Manager, World Renew Disaster Response Services
- Peter Dennis, Regional Managing Attorney, FRLS
- Kathy Grunewald, Disaster Coordinator Attorney, Legal Services of North Florida
Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of partnerships and innovation in delivering effective legal services to disaster-impacted communities.
Dennis highlighted the value of partnerships among LSC grantees, strengthening service delivery and expanding outreach. Strader emphasized working with faith-based organizations, while Grunewald stressed the benefits of teaming up with government entities to improve outcomes for disaster survivors.
Creativity in service delivery is crucial in disaster response. Martino shared how his team developed new legal strategies to assist elderly residents affected by inland flooding. Dennis also highlighted FRLS' unique outreach initiatives following Hurricane Ian, including hosting legal aid events at laundromats to better reach displaced residents.
LSC administered disaster relief grants to legal aids across Florida that provide essential long-term support to legal aid organizations. Dennis outlined five key benefits of this funding:
- Improved understanding and outreach in service areas
- Expansion of LSC-funded legal aid networks
- Strengthened community partnerships
- Enhanced preparedness strategies
- Long-term investment in community resilience
“Long-term grant funding builds dividends. It builds upon itself,” Dennis said, expressing gratitude to LSC for its continued support.
“Happy 50th," Dennis added, “and I thank you for the forward-thinking investment that you are making in our access to justice.”
Former FRLS Client Shares Legal Aid Success Story
The forum also highlighted a client testimonial from Colleen, a former FRLS client and widow who sought legal assistance after Hurricane Ian. She faced a contractor dispute and, with FRLS’ help, won a full refund of $10,000 from a fraudulent roofer. Her story underscored the critical role legal aid organizations play in disaster recovery efforts.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton: The Impact and Legal Response
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm with peak winds of 140 miles per hour in Perry, Florida, according to the Florida Climate Center. The storm caused catastrophic damage across six states, leading to over 230 fatalities, torrential rainfall, flooding, and widespread power outages.
A week and a half later, Hurricane Milton struck near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. This storm triggered an outbreak of 15 tornadoes across South Florida, two reaching EF3 status.
Legal aid workers played a crucial role in helping Florida’s most vulnerable residents recover. Having lawyers stationed at disaster recovery and family resource centers provided immediate legal guidance on housing, benefits, and consumer protection issues. The need for legal support continues long after the storms, with legal aid groups assisting clients on matters ranging from housing disputes to domestic violence cases.
If you have been impacted by a disaster and want to knowif you qualify for free legal services, call FRLS at 1-888-582-3410 or visit our hurricane services page here.