Pro Bono Attorneys Deskbook

Helping Disaster Victims

Natural and other disasters create victims who are frequently without resources and in need of legal assistance.  Legal Services has created a manual for disaster  victims entitled, “Recovering From A Disaster: Your Legal Rights & Related Issues (April 7, 2006).  Although written for the laymen, it is of practical assistance to pro bono attorneys who are helping disaster victims.  It is also a useful reference to social services for clients in need even outside of a disaster situation.

The manual covers numerous topics:  housing and FEMA benefits, immigration, food stamps, disaster food stamps, TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, formerly AFDC), Medicaid and Social Security.  Also contact information is provided for Legal Services offices and social service agencies.

Full text of Manual.

You may also jump directly to any portion of the Manual by clicking any of the following links in the table of
contents of the Manual:

What Should I Do First?.

Seeking Legal Assistance/About This Manual

Unemployment Compensation (Insurance) and Employment Issues.

Housing and FEMA Benefits.

FEMA Benefits.

Inspections:

Process Questions:

Road and Bridge Damages:

Small Business Administration (SBA):

Travel Trailer/Mobile Home:

General Questions:

Immigration.

Public Benefits.

A.    Food Stamps.

        1.  Regular Food Stamps.

B.    Disaster Food Stamp Benefits.

        1.  Expedited (Emergency) Food Stamps.

C.    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)  Benefits.

D.    Medicaid Benefits.

E.    Social Security Benefits.

Family Issues.

Index.

A.  Federal Assistance.

B.  State Assistance.

C.  Legal Assistance.

     1.  Legal Aid and Other Assistance.

     2.  Legal Aid Programs in Missouri and County Service Areas.

     3.  Legal Aid of Western Missouri.

     4.  Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc.

     5.  Mid-Missouri Legal Services Corporation.

     6.  Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

D.  Other Organizations.

      1.  Red Cross Centers.

      2.  Area Agencies on Aging.

      3.  Community Action Agencies.

      4.  United Way Offices in Missouri.

      5.  Housing and Urban Development Contacts in Missouri.

      6.  Immigration Offices in Missouri.