Legal aid organizations in Texas, Iowa, and Oklahoma have long supported low-income clients affected by natural disasters. Their expertise is now crucial for addressing legal needs from crises like mass shootings, building collapses, and industrial accidents. This session explores how legal aid adapts strategies, develops scalable models, fosters collaborations, and provides holistic support to affected communities.

• Crisis Response Framework: Attendees will learn how legal aid organizations can adapt disaster response frameworks for non-weather-related crises, ensuring swift and comprehensive legal assistance for affected communities.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Explore how legal aid providers can strengthen relationships with government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to better coordinate crisis response and ensure clients receive integrated, trauma-informed support.
• Client-Centered Advocacy: Understand how to tailor legal services to meet the unique needs of individuals impacted by crises, including navigating complex benefits systems, addressing housing and employment issues, and securing civil rights protections.