“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work, reporting or approval of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission to viewpoints@wchl.com.
A Stronger North Carolina: How Our Partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina is Transforming Disaster Recovery
A perspective from Ann Huffman
In the wake of natural disasters, the images of destruction—homes reduced to rubble, streets submerged under floodwaters, and entire communities left in tatters—are devastating. But what is often hidden beneath the visible wreckage is the invisible chaos that follows: the legal struggles that survivors face. For those who have already lost so much, the battle to navigate bureaucratic red tape, unclear property titles, tenant disputes, and FEMA denials can feel insurmountable. These legal barriers can delay recovery for months or even years.
This is where our partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) has made a transformative difference, offering a lifeline to survivors, particularly after storms like Hurricane Helene.
Our collaboration with LANC is a natural fit, rooted in a shared calling to serve our community. We often find ourselves working with the same populations—those who are most vulnerable and in need of support. Faith-based groups like ours play a crucial role in spreading the word and connecting people to the help they need. Together, we take a holistic approach, addressing both immediate needs and long-term recovery.
Through our Disaster Case Management Committee, we’ve worked hand in hand with LANC to provide case managers and disaster survivors with legal guidance. We’ve hosted a series of webinars led by LANC on essential topics for survivors’ recovery—one of the most pressing being heir property. This issue is among the greatest legal hurdles survivors face when trying to access FEMA and other assistance. For families who have lived on the same land for generations, a lack of clear legal documentation of ownership can prevent them from receiving the help they urgently need. LANC’s expertise has been a cornerstone in helping both survivors and case managers navigate these complicated and often overwhelming issues.
The webinars have covered other crucial topics such as homestead tax exclusions, FEMA appeals, and tenants’ rights, arming survivors with the knowledge they need to access all available resources. Beyond education, LANC attorneys take direct action, working closely with survivors to draft wills that protect their homes and prevent future ownership disputes. This proactive legal support has been a game-changer, helping families safeguard their homes and futures. Additionally, LANC provides resources, such as the 25 Pro Tips for Working with FEMA, which are distributed through faith-based networks to ensure they reach those who need them most.
This collaboration is not just a partnership; it is a movement built on a shared commitment to healing and rebuilding communities. By working together, we look beyond our defined roles to serve the whole person, addressing both legal and emotional needs.
Through this partnership, I’ve had the privilege of personally referring countless clients to LANC for disaster-related legal support. Time and again, I’ve witnessed the impact their assistance has had. Thanks to LANC, survivors have found hope and a pathway to recovery. Their commitment to serving the people of North Carolina has been a beacon of light in some of our darkest times, and we are incredibly grateful for their work.
As we look ahead, our partnership with LANC will continue to strengthen the foundation for a more resilient North Carolina—one where no survivor is forgotten, and every individual not only has the chance to rebuild their home but also to reclaim their life. In times of crisis, we must stand together. Through collaborations like this, we are creating a North Carolina where every survivor has the support they need to start anew and move forward with hope and dignity.
“Viewpoints” on Chapelboro is a recurring series of community-submitted opinion columns. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work or reporting of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com.
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines