EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS DISASTER TRAINING VIDEOS

Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law has developed a series of training videos for advocates who are providing legal assistance to disaster-affected communities. Filming for these videos took place during a training for Equal Justice Works Disaster Recovery Legal Corps, a program that mobilizes lawyers to deliver legal assistance and build capacity at legal services organizations in disaster-affected communities.

Community Lawyering

Session covers the fundamental principles of community organizing. Panelists detail the skills needed and resources available to work effectively across disciplines, race, and income levels, and serve as trusted collaborators and champions for clients and communities.

Disability Issues in Disaster Recovery

Session details best practices for serving persons with disabilities in recovery from disasters. Panelists provide practical advice for issue spotting and advocacy tips in education, healthcare, and housing.

Federal Flood and Homeowners’ Insurance

Session provides a broad overview of key issues related to Federal Flood Insurance and homeowners’ insurance claims. Panelists cover: (1) how to handle a FEMA insured flood claim, including proof of insurance deadlines and the role of appraisals, (2) other homeowners’ insurance flood-related and wind-related claims, and (3) the role of the Flood Advocates Office.

Fundamentals of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Session looks at relevant statutes, regulations, programs, and legal issues (e.g., appeals, recoupments, hotel vouchers, etc., and expectations for coming months) related to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Session looks at relevant statutes, regulations, programs, and legal issues (e.g., appeals, recoupments, hotel vouchers, etc., and expectations for coming months) related to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Community Development Block Grants

Session covers housing recovery grant programs for clients. Presenters provide an overview of Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery and what advocates in Texas and Florida specifically need to know about these grants.

Fair Housing Act Provisions

Session reviews the Fair Housing Act’s (FHA) provisions, how it applies to the sale and rental of housing in communities affected by disasters, how to detect an FHA problem, and subsequent legal remedies. Panelists provide an overview of the FHA’s role in affirmatively furthering fair housing and the challenges faced by historically disadvantaged communities in the context of housing and disaster relief.

Immigration 101

Session provides an overview of the pathways for immigrants to the United States. Panelists discuss how to spot immigration-related issues that need legal assistance and how to make appropriate referrals for lawyers whose work does not include representing immigrants.

Pro Bono 101

Session outlines strategies for getting private firms and/or attorneys to take pro bono cases. Panelists provide tactics for getting to “yes,” pitching pro bono matters/asks, and cultivating good relationships with pro bono partners.

Sequence Happens: The Evolution of Legal Needs from the Emergency through the Multi-Year Post Recovery Period

Session gives a high-level overview of the seasons of legal needs.  Panelists cover disaster survivor legal needs to date, current top legal issues, and issues likely to arise over the next eighteen months.

For information on Equal Justice Works and its Disaster Recovery Legal Corps program, please visit here.