Editor’s note: The Houston Bar Association issued the following news release Friday.
Nearly 900 members of the Houston Bar Association have volunteered or registered to volunteer in the future to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Attorneys are answering calls for a daily LegalLine program; staffing legal assistance booths at shelters, Disaster Recovery Centers, and legal clinics; and volunteering to represent low-income residents with legal problems related to the storm through the HBA’s Houston Volunteer Lawyers.
Volunteer attorneys take calls Monday-Friday, 3-5 p.m., to answer legal questions, give brief legal advice, and provide resources for those who have questions on insurance claims, landlord/tenant issues, property, FEMA, lost documents, and many other problems resulting from the storm. The public can call 713-759-1133 or toll free at 1-866-959-1133 to speak to an attorney.
Attorneys staffed legal assistance booths at NRG Stadium, the Toyota Center, Lakewood Church and the George R. Brown Convention Center. They are volunteering at Disaster Recovery Centers and legal assistance clinics that are being set up to assist those who need legal help.
Attorneys have provided items and cleanup help needed by other nonprofit organizations as they serve their clients affected by the storm, including the HAY Center, Habitat for Humanity, and The Center, three organizations the HBA supports through fundraising and projects.
The Houston Bar Association is helping its members affected by the storm as well, taking donations for members in need and connecting lawyers who may need temporary office space or housing with those who have space to offer.
“The outpouring of concern and offers of help don’t surprise me, because our members have always rolled up their sleeves and helped after natural disasters,” said Alistair Dawson, president of the Houston Bar Association, “but we are grateful that so many are offering to help in this time of extreme need.”