Page last updated: 06/07/2022
Developing a new model for reaching disaster-affected clients in extremely rural areas, by upgrading the case management system, IT, and phone systems, by hiring new employees in key roles, and by expanding community outreach both in person and online. The project benefited from the early collaboration with other LSC organizations with disaster experience.
Developing a training program for facilitating the coordination and collaboration with other legal aid agencies in delivering disaster legal services. The result is an ongoing bimonthly collaboration call with other LSC agencies across the country to share experiences and successes.
Developing a plan for two mobile intake and office units that could be deployed quickly to disaster-stricken areas. While the units have not yet been deployed, this case study describes important lessons learned in the planning and design phases.
Reaching out to the Indian community to improve disaster preparedness, using clinics and social media events. OILS personnel helped the community create estate planning documents to pass assets to future generations and prove ownership of assets that were passed down to them.
Sponsoring the development of an offline version of case intake, which runs in a browser that has no connection to the Internet. This is helpful during disasters when network connectivity is lost.
Using Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) tools to map jurisdictions responsible for public infrastructure, such as drainage and sewer systems. The information is used internally to enhance client representation and externally to help the community advocate for improvements.
Determining whether FOIA requests are an effective way to make FEMA provide copies of unpublished guidance documents used to determine eligibility for disaster relief. Personnel submitted FOIA requests to FEMA in addition to filing a lawsuit to obtain this information.