(HARDEE, Fla.) – In the wake of Hurricane Ian in 2021, many Florida families faced displacement and distress. When disaster struck, our client and her son had to leave their Hardee County home and evacuate to a local hotel. Facing the rising cost of the hotel bill, our client grew concerned about paying for continuous shelter. In response, she called Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) for help.
FRLS is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Our organization helps low-income members of our communities prepare for disasters, get immediate legal help in the wake of a disaster, and offers long-term resources for recovery such as help with insurance claims and more.
FRLS quickly assisted the client by instructing her to start the FEMA application process. Through FEMA, she has the potential to receive financial relief after the devastation of the hurricane. FRLS not only advised her on which application to complete, but also provided step-by-step guidance throughout the process.
Later, FRLS checked in on the client and was pleased to here that their application was successful and with our help our client received $800 in FEMA benefits to cover her hotel expenses. At FRLS we are committed to ensuring that clients get the time and care their specific case deserves. Thankfully, with the free legal aid from FRLS, they were able to receive FEMA benefits to facilitate their return home.
FRLS Can Help with FEMA Benefits Applications
You may be eligible for the following FEMA Benefits:
- Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home
- A temporary housing unit, when you are not able to use rental assistance due to a lack of available housing resources
- Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence
- Funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, or funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, funeral
- Funds for hazard mitigation assistance to help eligible homeowners repair or rebuild stronger, more durable homes
With hurricane season in full swing again in Florida, FRLS is here to help prepare you with the knowledge and resources you need ahead of a disaster. For more information on how you may qualify for free disaster legal services, please contact us at 1-888-582-3410.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.