Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is collectingdonations in response to Hurricane Ian as the Category 4 storm pummels Florida’s west coast.
FRLS has a long history of responding to emergencies in Florida and the Gulf Coast. The organization has assisted with recovery efforts following major hurricanes in the area in recent years.
"We provide disaster services to families after disasters including housing protection, public benefits and assistance through our Medical Legal Partnerships with veterans hospitals and clinics," said Jaffe Pickett, executive director and CEO of FRLS. "We understand our services are critical during emergencies when our clients have nowhere to turn. FRLS staff assists individuals, families, and communities across Central and Southwest Florida daily. Hurricane Ian has devastated our service areas and impacted our dedicated staff. We will continue to provide help and hope to those with nowhere else to turn for legal services at no cost."
Hurricane Ian has brought life-threatening storm surges and catastrophic flooding between Fort Myers, Fla., and Sarasota, Fla., according to the National Hurricane Center.
FRLS’ disaster services include:
1. Providing community outreach and education on disaster relief
2. Providing community intake, with a focus on offering free legal services in rural areas
3. Helping tenants who are unable to obtain repairs or reimbursement on repairs from landlords, with a focus on aiding displaced tenants to relocate
4. Providing assistance with public benefits including emergency TANF
5. Medical Legal Partnerships (MLPs), we work with hospitals and clinics to resolve legal needs of patients
Donations to FRLS will provide services to Hurricane Ian survivors and will aid tremendously in supporting its response to the crisis. To donate, go to frls.org/donate