AppalReD Legal Aid Mobilizes Pro Bono Volunteers and Expands Disaster Legal Services to Assist Flood Survivors in Eastern Kentucky
Disaster Legal Services Hotline Open—Pro Bono Attorneys Urgently Needed
Prestonsburg, Kentucky—As communities across Eastern Kentucky face the devastating aftermath of flooding, AppalReD Legal Aid is stepping up once again to ensure survivors receive the legal support they need to rebuild. With a dedicated Disaster Legal Services Team, AppalReD is ready to help individuals navigate the complex legal challenges that develop after a disaster.
Since the catastrophic floods of July 2022, AppalReD has assisted over 1,000 survivors with legal issues ranging from FEMA appeals and Disaster SNAP benefits to collections for flooded vehicles and clearing home titles. Now, as Eastern Kentucky recovers from another disaster, the organization is focusing on intake, outreach, and pro bono to increase capacity and reach even more individuals in need.
Free Legal Help for Flood Survivors
Flood survivors facing denied FEMA claims, landlord-tenant disputes, lost documents, contractor scams, or other disaster-related legal issues can call AppalReD’s Disaster Legal Services Intake Hotline at 1-844-478-0099 for free legal assistance. Survivors can also visit an AppalReD office, connect with staff at Disaster Resource Centers, or leave a message for a Disaster Team member to return their call.
“Flood survivors have already been through so much—navigating FEMA and other disaster assistance shouldn’t be another burden,” said Angeleigh Dorsey, Executive Director of AppalReD Legal Aid. “We are committed to making sure that no matter what door a survivor walks through, it’s the right one for getting the help they need.”
Pro Bono Attorneys Needed—Help Your Neighbors Recover
To meet the overwhelming legal needs in the wake of this disaster, AppalReD is actively recruiting and training volunteer attorneys. Lawyers can sign up at ardfky.org/probono to provide pro bono assistance in person at Disaster Resource Centers, remotely through online clinics, or to take case referrals.
“Whether you have three hours, 30, or 300, we need your help,” said Charnel Burton, Pro Bono Director at AppalReD. “We’re offering opportunities for attorneys to assist survivors virtually or on-site, and we will provide a free CLE and disaster law training on April 4 in Pikeville and online.”
“We are calling on the legal community to step up and stand with our neighbors,” added Dorsey. “As disasters become more frequent, volunteering your time is not just an act of service—it’s a chance to gain valuable experience in legal issues we will, unfortunately, see again and again across Kentucky.”
Get Help or Get Involved
For legal assistance or to volunteer, visit ardfky.org or call 1-844-478-0099.
Media Contact:
Sarah Curry
Communications and Development Director
SarahC@ardfky.org
606-886-9876 Ext: 1236 (Leave voicemail for return call)
