LSC Grants Disaster Response Funds to Legal Aid of Western Missouri
WASHINGTON – The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that three legal aid organizations will receive grants totaling $1 million to help low-income communities respond to the impact of COVID-19. LSC’s Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project funds efforts to address crucial disaster-related legal needs by establishing partnerships among legal services providers, volunteer attorneys and disaster response organizations. This funding will support the work of LSC grantees in Minnesota, Missouri and Montana and supplements prior efforts to help low-income communities in the Midwest region prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Legal aid is essential in helping survivors get back on their feet. When a disaster strikes, the vulnerabilities of low-income people are heightened, and the need for legal assistance becomes even more critical. COVID-19 has caused a surge in demand for legal services, as the pandemic continues to disrupt the lives and financial security of people across the country. Survivors need experts who understand the legal issues involved and who can help them file insurance claims, apply for benefits, negotiate with landlords and more.
Legal Aid of Western Missouri (LAWMO) is one of the three that received the grant award. The $333,333 grant will allow LAWMO to hire additional staff to meet the growing need for unemployment compensation assistance and stimulus assistance brought on by COVID-19.
The Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project is made possible by funding from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.
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.
Reprinted from LSC press release dated June 2, 2021
Contact - Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs
