Bay Area Legal Services delivers legal support directly to disaster survivors
Bay Area Legal’s Disaster Relief Team served 512 clients and participated in over 180 community outreach events in 2025. Building on this work, the new Mobile Intake Unit expands Bay Area Legal’s disaster response efforts, alongside the statewide Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline. Together, these resources connect individuals and families with critical legal help as they navigate the aftermath of a storm, according to Bay Area Legal.
Bay Area Legal Services is expanding support for hurricane survivors with the launch of its Mobile Intake Unit (MIU), designed to bring legal services into hard-hit and rural communities.
Following the 2024 hurricane season, local attorneys have emerged as “second responders,” providing essential post-disaster assistance. As Florida residents continue to rebuild and a new hurricane season approaches, they play a critical role in helping survivors navigate complex legal challenges, according to Bay Area Legal Services.
The MIU assists with FEMA and insurance claims, housing disputes, contractor fraud, property damage, and more, allowing Bay Area Legal to deliver services directly to rural and underserved communities throughout recovery.
Built to support immediate disaster response and long-term recovery, the MIU enhances Bay Area Legal’s ability to provide on-site legal assistance — even in areas without access to power or connectivity. Equipped with an internal generator and satellite internet, the unit can operate independently while offering private consultations in a fully accessible space.
“This area has never experienced impacts like this, and recovery will take years,” said Jason Susalla, managing attorney of Bay Area Legal’s Disaster Relief Team. “This is a marathon, not a race. You don’t need a legal case to get guidance, just a place to start, and this allows us to bring that starting point directly to survivors.”
Bay Area Legal’s Disaster Relief Team served 512 clients and participated in over 180 community outreach events in 2025. Building on this work, the MIU expands Bay Area Legal’s disaster response efforts, alongside the statewide Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline. Together, these resources connect individuals and families with critical legal help as they navigate the aftermath of a storm, according to Bay Area Legal
Supported by funding from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), Bay Area Legal is expanding its ability to serve disaster-impacted communities and strengthen preparedness ahead of the 2026 hurricane season.
“The road to recovery after a disaster runs through the legal system,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “When disaster strikes, legal services help survivors rebuild not just their homes, but their lives.”
