Helping Los Angeles Wildfire Survivors Navigate Legal Issues in Recovery
After deadly wildfires devastated parts of Los Angeles earlier this year, Peace Winds has been supporting local organizations supporting survivors in the Altadena area. Thanks to contributions from donors in Japan, the U.S., and around the world, we recently issued one of our grants to Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) – an organization that provides legal services to the community most affected.
Many survivors are coping with the loss of their homes, possessions, livelihoods, or loved ones in the wake of this disaster, and having to navigate the various legal and benefits processes can be daunting. Many residents of Altadena, one of the hardest-hit areas, have inherited their homes and do not have titles. Others face issues with their landlords or rental units, and many are navigating FEMA assistance or insurance appeals.
NLSLA steps in after disasters to help survivors navigate cases like these through its Disaster Assistance Project. Based in Altadena, attorneys and other staff host weekly legal clinics, conduct community outreach by distributing legal information, and provide direct legal representation to those in need. The team also helps connect residents in the communities of Malibu and the Palisades to aid organizations in their area.
Pro bono attorneys at Altadena Disaster Recovery Center (left); client, pro bono attorney, and staff member at NLSLA Disaster Assistance clinic (right)
Although many of NLSLA’s resources are available to everyone in the community, its direct assistance program is focused on supporting low-income families and individuals. And the majority of survivors the team serves are older persons who do not have family members to assist them.
The recent grant to NLSLA is part of the broader financial and in-kind contributions that Peace Winds has already made, and will continue to provide, to local organizations assisting Los Angeles communities and shelter pets affected by the wildfires. Donations can be made by visiting our donation page and selecting “Los Angeles Wildfires.” Your support helps us to continue our recovery efforts.