The 2020 hurricane season began on June 1, but many North Carolinians are still seeking relief from damages sustained during Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. After a hurricane makes landfall, storm clouds will dissipate but the recovery process for homeowners can take years. On July 8-10, Legal Aid of North Carolina will offer remote information sessions to help educate North Carolina homeowners on the assistance available for survivors of Florence and Matthew.
“These information sessions are a great opportunity for North Carolinians to learn more about the resources available to them when they become victims of natural disasters,” said Nicole Mueller, a Legal Aid disaster relief staff attorney. “It is not too late to seek remedies for disaster-related damages just because a storm took place years ago.”
The information sessions will take place via conference call and will cover how Legal Aid can assist North Carolinians with disaster recovery. Topics include how to apply for ReBuild NC’s Homeowner Recovery Program, how Legal Aid can assist during the application process, and how Legal Aid can help if a homeowner needs to file an appeal. Legal Aid lawyers will answer general questions during the information sessions.
“We want people to know that they have options if they are denied assistance or if they disagree with the amount that they have been awarded,” Mueller said. “Legal Aid may be able to help with an appeal or assist with other legal needs that can help secure assistance.”
ReBuild NC is a program operated by the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resilience to distribute grant money to homeowners, contractors, and local and tribal governments for the purpose of disaster recovery. The program opened a new application period June 15 for victims of Florence and Matthew, potentially opening the door for many North Carolinians who have thus far been unable to receive funding from the government or charitable entities. Legal Aid has helped clients with ReBuild applications and appeals in the past and stands ready to do so during this new application cycle.
The three information sessions will all cover the same information. Those that are interested can choose a day and time that is convenient for them:
July 8 at 12 p.m.
Call-in number: (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 871 2700 6960 #
Participant ID: “#”
July 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Call-in number: (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 886 9003 1584 #
Participant ID: “#”
July 10 at 8 a.m.
Call-in number: (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 815 9832 1751 #
Participant ID: “#”
About
Legal Aid NC is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in order to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunity. Our Disaster Relief Project provides legal assistance and education to survivors of natural disasters in North Carolina, seeking to provide relief to clients in the days, weeks, months and years that it takes to recover. Legal Aid NC also supports community economic development and long-term recovery in disaster-impacted communities. Call the Legal Aid NC helpline at 866-219-5262 or visit legalaidnc.org/apply to learn about eligibility for our services and to get Legal Aid’s assistance.