AUSTIN - The
Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF) today announced the distribution of $1.5 million in emergency funds
to legal aid organizations in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. These
funds will help provide a range of civil legal services for low-income
Texans impacted by the hurricane.
The
announcement was made at a luncheon with the Texas Supreme Court justices,
and is timely as the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, The Texas Access to
Justice Commission, the State Bar of Texas and Texas legal aid organizations
join in an effort to celebrate and recognize this week as Pro Bono Week. Pro
Bono Week highlights the need to expand access to justice through pro bono
civil legal services.
After a
catastrophic, natural disaster like Hurricane Harvey, legal aid and pro bono
assistance can provide help in securing FEMA and other benefits, filing
health and property insurance claims, and assisting in housing issues
related to mortgages, foreclosures, and landlord/tenant problems.
The
emergency funds made available to legal aid providers address the long-term
effects Harvey has had on low-income Texans. Distributing the funds will
take a three-pronged approach: providing on-going support to secure “boots
on the ground” with additional staffing needs, serving Harvey survivors who
cannot otherwise access civil legal aid, and hiring professional, dedicated
staff to coordinate volunteer opportunities that have surfaced in the
aftermath of Harvey, placing emphasis on legal aid support.
“Due to Harvey’s destruction, the need for access to a lawyer will be
greater than ever,” Richard L. Tate,
chair of the board
of directors for the Texas Access to Justice Foundation,
said. “Legal aid and pro bono assistance play a crucial role in ensuring
vulnerable Texans impacted by Hurricane Harvey will have the opportunity to
rebuild their lives.”
In addition to the $1.5 million in funds announced today, on September 1,
the TAJF board authorized the emergency awarding of $200,000 for the
immediate needs of impacted legal aid organizations.
Survivors of Hurricane Harvey
need additional help. The Texas Access Justice Foundation has created the