Washington, DC—U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) joined the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to announce more than $2.5 million to Legal Aid organizations across Texas. 

More specifically, the federal program is awarding $1,443,267 to Legal Aid of Northwest Texas (LANWT) to support the delivery of legal services to low-income people impacted by Winter Storm Uri and other severe weather events in 2020 and 2021. LSC is also granting $866,760 to Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) and $251,529 to Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) to reimburse already incurred costs from providing natural disaster services in 2020 and 2021. 

“Winter storm Uri devastated many south Texas communities and since then, I have been working diligently to shore up our infrastructure and services to ensure that our community is prepared for severe weather events,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.“I am excited to announce the $251,529 grant for Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. This funding will assist with legal services in Floresville, Jourdanton, Laredo, Rio Grande City and San Antonio to help provide legal assistance for those struggling to recover from the impacts of Winter Storm Uri. Thank you to my partners at Legal Services Corporation for their commitment and dedication to helping Texas residents get back on their feet.” 

“Low-income people who confront civil legal issues in the wake of natural disasters face an uphill battle, and they shouldn’t have to go it alone,” said LSC President Ronald S. Flagg.“We are grateful that Congress recognizes the need for legal assistance in these recovering communities and provided this funding that will help our neighbors repair and stay in their homes, obtain key identification documents, apply for benefits and so much more.” 

LANWT, LSLA and TRLA are three of 19 organizations around the country receiving project grants for natural disasters faced in 2020 and 2021. Congress included $40 million for LSC in a $28.6 billion emergency supplemental appropriation attached to the September 2021 Continuing Resolution to fund the government in FY 2022. 

Survivors of natural disasters often require immediate legal assistance to file for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance and insurance benefits and to deal with related evictions, unemployment, and document replacement. Legal challenges can haunt survivors for years. Cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, public housing and domestic violence will arise, and disaster victims can be vulnerable to fraud or scams.  

Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 132 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

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