West Tennessee Legal Services goes mobile to assist storm victims
GRAND JUNCTION, Tenn. — One local organization is offering free recovery assistance to recent storm victims.
West Tennessee Legal Services has mobilized to provide legal aid to residents hit by the recent tornado and flood events.
Tuesday, the disaster team was stationed in Grand Junction and Selmer offering assistance.
“Our office, we provide free legal services and legal advice for folks who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford an attorney,” said Matthew Flood, Staff Attorney, West Tennessee Legal Services Disaster Team. “And so, this is actually our mobile unit. It’s an office on wheels, and so, whenever we can, we drive it out so they can meet us where they are instead of having them come to us.”
These attorneys can help with homeowner and contractor issues, landlord-tenant issues, scams, and more.
“The basic process is, they first need to go through intake, and so, intake is where we determine folks income and assets,” Flood said. “So, we try to help, and so, once they fill out that paperwork, then if they qualify, they can speak to one of the attorneys inside.”
The “Justice Bus” will be stationed at the McNairy County Ag Center in Selmer on Wednesday, April 23 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Flood encourages storm victims to utilize the resources and aid of local organizations that are here to help.
“You’re never wasting our time if you give us a call. We do this job so that we can help folks, and so, if they think they have a legal issue or if they just would feel more comfortable talking to an attorney about something, we’re always a resource. And if we can’t help you, odds are we can point you in the direction of someone who can,” said Flood.
For those that are still wanting to donate to help storm victims, the City of Grand Junction has established two fundraising accounts: One located at the Bank of Fayette County, and the other is a GoFundMe. See more:
FROM THE CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION:We have established two fundraising accounts in response to numerous requests to support our city financially.
One account is located at The Bank of Fayette County and the other is accessible through GoFundMe. Alderwoman Cheryl Smith will oversee both accounts. The primary objective of these accounts is to provide financial assistance in the reconstruction of public buildings and public areas in Grand Junction, as well as support uninsured or underinsured individuals within the 38039 community who had homes impacted.The fund at The Bank is titled “Grand Junction Tornado Relief Fund”. The GoFundMe page is linked below. Any undesignated funds will be allocated towards the city. To designate your donation for citizen support, please email Alderwoman Smith at CHRYLSMT@yahoo.com, providing your name, donation amount, and where your donation was made. A cross-reference system will ensure accurate designation. https://gofund.me/87e64f22 Also, Dirty Cotton Memphis is hosting a fundraiser to purchase hats, shirts, and sweatshirts, with all proceeds supporting the rebuilding of public buildings and spaces. Those items may be purchased at dirtycottonmemphis.com and we will pin the link we shared earlier to our page.
More information about how to apply for assistance will be shared soon as this is a developing process. Thank you again to everyone who has assisted us and continues to assist in our recovery efforts.
For more local news, click here.
