Hurricanes, wildfires, and other climate disasters can destroy people’s homes and possessions.
And while survivors are still reeling from that trauma, many then receive the devastating news that their application for FEMA assistance has been denied.
Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz of the American Bar Association’s Disaster Legal Services program says FEMA applications are often denied because they’re missing information or lack sufficient documentation. And everyone has the right to file an appeal.
But many people do not know that or how to begin.
Ortiz-Ortiz: “It’s very valid to feel overwhelmed and to feel that the processes in place … may not be helping to you at this time, but there are resources available.”
For example, a network of legal aid groups called Advocates for Disaster Justice offers a free, online tool – in both English and Spanish – that helps people prepare their appeal.
Ortiz-Otiz: “It helps survivors by guiding them through the necessary steps of filing an appeal and ensuring that they meet FEMA’s requirements for the appeal. So it’s kind of like a guided interview … and it makes it easier for them to advocate for themselves.”
So it can help people access the relief they need to rebuild and recover.
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media
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