Disaster Relief Services

Disaster Relief Legal Project

When disasters strike Legal Aid Service of Collier County (‘LASCC’) stands ready and able to respond to help get Collier County residents in need back on their feet through free legal services.

From natural disasters such as Hurricanes to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, LASCC operates as a ‘second responder’ representing clients in need during emergencies to keep them safe, healthy, and able to meet their basic needs such as food and shelter.  LASCC also can help secure disaster relief and other public benefits, assist clients with insurance disputes and FEMA claims, and offer a wide range of free civil legal services to those in need during challenging times.

The majority of LASCC’s disaster assistance services are provided by the Staff Attorneys working in the Housing, Consumer Law, Veterans, Grey Light Elder Law, and Disaster Relief Unit.

LASCC’s Housing Unit helps families access – or stay in – safe and affordable local housing. Legal Aid provides legal advice and representation for homeowners or tenants facing foreclosure or eviction.  LASCC also helps secure legal relief needed to make necessary repairs to dwellings that have been damaged or present dangerous conditions.

The Consumer Law Project also assists debtors, individuals subject to consumer fraud or identity theft, garnishment, unpaid wages, and other legal matters with the goal to maintain household income. Special projects within this Unit include a full-scale Veterans Legal Project, Grey Light Elder Law Project, and special capacity to assist victims of disasters such as hurricanes or the Covid-19 pandemic. This project also assists eligible clients seeking public benefits, including social security disability and unemployment/reemployment benefits, VA benefits, TANF/food stamps, and access to healthcare.