Ask A Lawyer - WNC Disaster Recovery Hotline

ASK A LAWYER - WNC Disaster Recovery Hotline

Ask A Lawyer — WNC Disaster Recovery Hotline
August 27, 2025 | 12pm – 6pm
828-418-6969

Still struggling after Helene? Get FREE, confidential help!

- - - - You can call anonymously.
        
        All calls are confidential.
        
        Help is FREE.

Even one year later, disaster recovery is not over. If you are still facing challenges, waiting on answers, or have been denied assistance, we can help.

Call the hotline for help with:

FEMA Appeals – Even after deadlines
Unresolved FEMA Applications – We can get things “unstuck”
Continued FEMA Rental Assistance – Households may qualify for up to 18 months
Mortgage Issues / Foreclosure Prevention
Insurance and Contractor Problems
Scams or Fraud
Roads and Bridges
Bankruptcy and Debt
Other Disaster Related Issues

Real Disaster Recovery Results

Myshell

Myshell and her family lost their home of 24 years to Helene. After a FEMA denial and insurance issues, Pisgah Legal attorney Nick Bondurant helped her appeal. She received over $46,000 in aid and began rebuilding on a new piece of land. "I am so ready to go home," Myshell said. "Pisgah Legal made all the difference."

David

David's home in Marshall was devasted by flooding from Helene, and FEMA denied his claim, mistaking it for a business. With help from Pisgah Legal attorney Max Gibbons, he submitted a 76-page affidavit to appeal and received more than $50,000 in recovery funds. "Pisgah Legal knew what was possible, and they helped me get there," said David. "It felt like we were finally turning the corner."

Need Legal Help Before August 27?

The hotline number above will only be answered on August 27 from 12pm – 6pm. For non-disaster related legal needs or if you are unable to call during the hotline hours and have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, please apply any time for legal assistance at:

Pisgah Legal Services
828-253-0406
Apply Online

Legal Aid of North Carolina
1-866-219-5262
Apply Online

In partnership with:

WNC Disaster Recovery Hotline — Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect when I call?
A screener will first get a short description of your disaster related legal need and then transfer you to an attorney who can provide advice for your specific issues. The attorney will also help link you to other resources as needed. We will have dozens of attorneys answering calls all afternoon. We hope that an attorney can take your call promptly, but it is possible that you would be on hold for a short period of time. We understand how important your needs are, and we’re here to help as best we can.

What if I have more than one legal issue?
The attorneys can only handle one legal issue at a time and will assist with your most pressing need. You can apply any time for legal assistance for other needs through Pisgah Legal or Legal Aid.

What if I have a legal need that is not disaster related?
This hotline is intended to help those with the most pressing disaster related legal needs. If you have other legal needs, please apply online or by phone to Pisgah Legal at 828-253-0406 or Legal Aid at 1-866-219-5262.

What if I have nonlegal disaster related needs?
There are organizations across WNC offering assistance with nonlegal disaster related needs. Please see a list of helpful resources at pisgahlegal.org/Helene and at legalaidnc.org/Helene or call NC 211, an information and referral service, by dialing “211.”