Hurricane Irma Resources

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Dear colleagues, 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the communities across Florida, the Southeast, and the Caribbean impacted by the devastation left by Hurricane Irma.

NAPABA and our Florida affiliates, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Tampa Bay, the Asian American Bar Association of South Florida, and the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association are working with community leaders to assist with the recovery and support the Asian Pacific American and other communities.

To assist attorneys and community members find resources and information for the Asian Pacific American community, we have updated our Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma disaster relief toolkit to direct you to information and opportunities to engage with legal services organizations.

Requests for legal assistance should be directed to Florida’s Disaster Legal Services hotline at 1-866-550-2929. We encourage Florida barred attorneys to sign up to provide pro bono services for this program—sponsored by the American Bar Association and the Florida Bar—by clicking here.

I am heartened by the response of the legal community to support those affected by these recent disasters during the long recovery process. Together, we can continue to represent our profession’s highest values and serve those in need.

Sincerely,

Cyndie M. Chang
NAPABA President 2016–17

NAPABA Disaster Relief Database

The NAPABA Pro Bono and Community Service Committee introduces the disaster relief database. The database provides information on federal and local level resources on disaster relief and preparation. To address the needs of limited English proficient members of the APA community, many of the resources on the database are available in various Asian languages.

Mandarin/Cantonese Translators Needed

Brooklyn Jubilee is providing free legal services to Coney Island residents, primarily concerning FEMA, housing, public benefits, and insurance questions.  We need Mandarin, Cantonese, Urdu and Russian interpreters all week long, but primarily on Saturdays.  Interpreters will assist attorneys and paralegals conducting new client intake. No legal expertise is required for this volunteer position.

Intake hours are 10-3 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.  Intake hours are 2-7 on Thursday.  Interpreters would be appreciated for 2-3 hours of the intake session any day of the week, but especially on Saturdays.  Please contact Executive Director Sandhya Reju Boyd at [email protected] if interested in volunteering.

Brooklyn Jubilee also provides opportunities for legal volunteers, which requires attendance at a training (next one is scheduled for 2/23).  A follow-up announcement regarding that opportunity will be forthcoming soon.

CORRECTION – Sandy Resources and FEMA Application Deadline: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27th, 2013

**CORRECTION**

As of today, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that FEMA has also given New York a 30-day extension for applying for individual assistance. In addition, FEMA has extended access to its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, by 14 days. That will allow New Yorkers to stay in hotels through February 9 (check-out is Sunday, February 10th) if their homes were damaged by the storm.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR FEMA BENEFITS HAS BEEN EXTENDED: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27th, 2013
Click HERE to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

Dear Friends,

As our community is still struggling because of immigration status restrictions on disaster relief benefits, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) continues to call on the Mayor and Governor to make more relief assistance available to all New Yorkers.  Our colleagues at the New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) are working hard through their Unmet Needs Roundtable to make funds available to support immigrants who do not qualify because of these restrictions. In addition, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) has taken some steps to assist organizations working with immigrants.  But more needs to be done.  We will keep you posted on future developments.

Despite the limitations on existing benefits for Sandy victims, this link will give you a list of resources that are currently available.

If you have any questions, requests, or concerns please reach out to Manny Castro at [email protected] or (212) 627-2227 x 246.

Hurricane Sandy Legal Relief Efforts from probono.net

Thanks to Yomi Ajaiyeoba, President of the Nigerian Lawyers Association, for passing this along:

As the process of recovery begins in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, at Pro Bono Net we express our deepest sympathy for those affected by this devastating natural disaster in New York, and beyond. Pro Bono Net stands ready to support the legal relief efforts that will come together over the next several weeks, and will keep you apprised of the latest developments. Several initiatives are already underway, including:

  • For Long Island-based lawyers: The Touro Law School in Central Islip is opening a Storm Help Center to provide referrals, assistance and legal advice for local residents and small businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Thomas Maligno, Executive Director, Touro Law School Public Interest Center at [email protected].
  • The New York State Bar Association is recruiting volunteer attorneys to provide free telephone consultations to individuals affected by Sandy. If you are able to help, please visit www.nysba.org/DisasterVolunteerSandy and complete a volunteer form.
  • In New York City, New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) has mobilized a legal aid disaster relief program to help victims of the storm deal with a range of legal issues. To volunteer to provide pro bono legal assistance, please email [email protected].
  • LawHelp/NY is compiling a current list of disaster relief resources and information for New Yorkers at http://www.lawhelp.org/link.cfm?3607.
  • Pro Bono Net is collaborating with the American Bar Association, Legal Services Corporation, and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association on the National Disaster Legal Aid website (http://www.disasterlegalaid.org/), where Hurricane Sandy resources and information are being posted regularly.
  • Pro Bono Net is participating in a gathering at the City Bar of New York City legal services and pro bono leaders this coming Monday, November 5, 2012, to discuss coordination of relief efforts. Please join the NYC Pro Bono Center (http://www.probono.net/ny/nyc/jointhisarea/) to keep apprised of pro bono efforts as we move forward.

We would like to hear from you about other ways that we can serve the pro bono community and strengthen your efforts in this time of recovery – please contact me with your news and ideas at [email protected].

We look forward to your participation in this dynamic recovery process, and thank you for your commitment to helping the individuals, families, and institutions shaken by Hurricane Sandy.

Sincerely,

Adam Friedl
Pro Bono Coordinator | Pro Bono Net
212.760.2554 x 490 | [email protected]
probono.net | lawhelp.org
lawyers serving the public good

AAFE Emergency Loan Programs

In response to Hurricane Sandy, AAFE has initiated two emergency loan programs to help homeowners and small businesses throughout the five boroughs :

1) The Renaissance Economic Development Corporation will be offering an emergency loan fund up to $30,000 with 4% interest rate loans to affected small businesses in all 5 boroughs of NYC and special relief at 3% interest rate to businesses located south of 40th Street. Renaissance will provide expedited processing to ensure timely impact relief.  Download more information here.

2) AAFE Community Development Fund will be offering Emergency Repair Loan for Homeowners up to $20,000 with 4% interest rate; 3% interest rate for Seniors and Disabled or repairs conducted by certified green specialist.  Download more information here.

Please feel free to distribute and forward these programs information to your clients and constituents.


Christopher Kui, Executive Director
Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE)
108 Norfolk Street
New York, NY 10002
[email protected]
Tel. (212) 979-8381 ext. 107
Fax (212) 979-8386

KALCA Fall Happy Hour Fundraiser

Thursday, November 8, 2012

On Thursday, November 8th from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, the KALCA Steering Committee will be hosting our Fall Happy Hour Fundraiser at the Pranna Cellar Bar at 79 Madison Avenue at 28th Street.  This will be the last KALCA happy hour for the 2012 year so I hope you can all come out and join us.
 
The contribution amount is $10 presale and $20 at the door. 
To purchase your tickets, go to
http://fall2012kalcahappyhour.eventbrite.com/
 
KALCA will be donating half of the proceeds to the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in NYC.  
 
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS until 9 pm

Draught Beer— $5
Bottled Beer— $6

Wine— $7
(Selection of Red & White)
Pranna Signature Cocktail — $8
***
Wok Fired Hanger Steak —$5
Basil Wok Chicken —$5
Wok Fired Tofu —$5

***
RSVP on facebook
 
 KALCA Steering Committee
 
Mike Burkholder, Fundraising/Social Co-Chair
Dan Cho, Vice Chair
KC Choi
Chris Chun
Christine Ghee
Esther Hong
Jeanette Kang
Judy Kim
Mina Kim, Fundraising/Social Co-Chair
Soo Jin Kim, Alumni Programs Co-Chair
Dan Lee
Emily Louie, Chair
Flora Rhim
Jennifer Shin
Rob Tsai
Bonny Tsang, Alumni Programs Co-Chair
Jonny Whang

To learn more about KALCA and our programs, visit www.kalca.org

Dear MBBA Members and Supporters:

As we continue to deal with the results of Hurricane Sandy, we will continue efforts to gather information and determine ways to best assist our members. We currently note that power/electricity is being restored to many parts of lower Manhattan between today and tomorrow. Until fully restored, please note the following:

State Courts

The City Law Department is asking attorneys to call next week for information about specific depositions at the following numbers: Bronx— (718) 590-3971; Brooklyn —(718) 222-2069; Manhattan – (718) 222-2001; Queens – (718) 206-4703; Staten Island– (718) 447-5985. For general office inquires, call (718) 222-2226.
To determine the latest information concerning the status of New York State Courts and court closings go to: http://www.courts.state.ny.us/court-closings.shtml or you can call 1-800-COURTNY(1-800-268-7869).

Federal Courts

E.D.N.Y: Both Brooklyn and Central Islip offices for the U.S. Attorney for Eastern District were re-opened Wednesday, October 31, 2012. Some judges have not been able to get to work so attorneys are advised to call the judge’s chambers before scheduled court appearances. Prisoners are being produced from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, but not from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in lower Manhattan. The clerk’s office in both courthouses is accepting the hand delivery of new filings and new cases. The electronic filing system on is up for viewing but not for docketing. Court employees in the Brooklyn courthouse cannot receive e-mails as the courthouse has no Internet connectivity. The Central Islip courthouse currently does have internet access. Please go to https://www.nyed.uscourts.gov/ for any updates or call the Emergency status line at1-866-752-7362 option 1.

S.D.N.Y. – 500 Pearl St.: The Manhattan courthouse is closed through Friday, November 2; however, the White Plains, Middletown, and Poughkeepsie courthouses are open. Please go to http://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/ or call (212) 805-0136 for further updates. 233 Broadway: The entire building is offline. Access to the building is prohibited with the exception of authorized personnel.

SDNY has also issued orders extending certain deadlines in criminal cases as a result of Hurricane Sandy (Fed. R. Crim. P. 45) (Fed. R. Crim. P. 32) and has also issued an order extending time for filing in civil cases.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has also issued an executive order suspending speedy trial deadlines and other statutory time restrictions in criminal, family and civil cases. http://www.governor.ny.gov/executiveorder/52

Touro Law Center will open a center next week to provide referrals, assistance and legal advice for local residents and small businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy. The Touro Law Center – Hurricane Emergency Assistance and Referral Team (TLC-HEART) will be staffed by volunteer lawyers and law students. Beginning on Monday, November 5, residents will be able to call the center at (631) 761-7198 and [email protected] to receive assistance from disaster relief trained students and attorneys who will match resident concerns with referrals to federal, state and local government agencies and private groups offering storm-related assistance. The telephone hotline will be answered live Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Voicemail messages can be left 24/7.

Other Bar Associations

Brooklyn Bar Association president Domenick Napoletano has encouraged members and non-members to use their facilities at 123 Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights if their own offices are closed. (718) 624-0675.

New York County Lawyers Association, 14 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10007. Telephone: 212-267-6646 and the New York City Bar Association, 42 West 44th Street New York, NY 10036, (212) 382-6600 is also open to the public during the week. Please call to confirm availability of services.

The New York State Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service has created a dedicated number (1-800-699-5636) for people in need of help, and is currently recruiting attorneys to provide free telephone consultations to individuals affected by the storm. There is a particular need for attorneys with insurance, landlord/tenant, co-op and condo, or FEMA appeals experience, as well as those who can handle general practice matters. If you are able to help, please visit www.nysba.org/DisasterVolunteerSandy and complete a volunteer form.

The NYSBA is also providing a free non-accredited informational video on emergency preparedness strategies for attorneys. The program – Disaster Planning and Emergency Preparedness: Best Practices for Solos – was designed to help attorneys prepare for unforeseen crises that can jeopardize their practices and includes helpful information and steps to take following a disaster. The video will be available, free of charge, through the month of November. You can view it at: www.nysba.org/DisasterPlanningProgram.

Additional links for storm relief resources:

Disaster Assistance: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/
LawHelp NY: http://lawhelp.org/NY/
FEMA: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
NYS Department of Financial Services Storm Hotline: 1-800-339-1759
American Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767)

Please refer to the NYLJ articles for further details at http://www.law.com/jsp/nylj/PubArticleNY.jsp?id=1202577072360, http://www.law.com/jsp/nylj/PubArticleNY.jsp?id=1202577016615

Again, please contact the MBBA regarding your particular needs as we seek to determine ways to best assist our members and the members of the legal community. Those in need and volunteers should contact the MBBA at [email protected] or call(212) 965-1645.

With best regards,

Nadine
———

R. Nadine Fontaine

President

Metropolitan Black Bar Association