New Mexico Legal Aid
New Mexico Legal Aid
New Mexico Legal Aid has learned that the deadline for applying for FEMA assistance has been extended to August 4th, 2022. This gives New Mexicans more time to apply for federal disaster benefits. The previous deadline was July 5th.
New Mexico Legal Aid has joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the State Bar of New Mexico Young Lawyers Division, and the American Bar Association to assist New Mexico wildfire victims. We are urging New Mexicans to get their FEMA applications submitted. The State of New Mexico also has disaster unemployment and disaster SNAP benefits available for Wildfire Victims. We encourage New Mexicans to apply for those even though the deadlines already expired (See below).
“Legal assistance nonprofits like New Mexico Legal Aid have historically worked in conjunction with the American Bar Association and state and local bar associations to provide free “disaster legal services” in areas impacted by disaster declarations,” NMLA Executive Director Lewis Creekmore said.
“We will assist with FEMA applications, appeals of denials, document replacement and litigation related to FEMA/disaster issues. We will also assist legal non-FEMA issues that arise because of the fire impact, including D-SNAP and disaster unemployment assistance.”
On Saturday, July 23 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. please join our in-person disaster legal resources and assistance clinic at New Mexico Highlands University.
Also, the State Bar of New Mexico, Young Lawyers division has a legal hotline currently available to connect wildfire evacuees to free legal services in qualifying counties impacted by the federal disaster declaration. The helpline is primarily for survivors/victims from Colfax, Lincoln, Mora, San Miguel, Valencia counties but anyone impacted by the fires can call. Evacuees can call (888)985-5141. The hotline is staffed from Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. MST please leave a message if calling after hours. New Mexico Legal Aid will work closely with the State Bar of New Mexico, Young Lawyers Division, FEMA, Legal Services Corporation, Red Cross and CYFD to help those impacted by the wildfires recover.
Helpline callers may get help with legal issues such as:
- FEMA and other financial benefits, including denials
- Assistance for agricultural producer and small businesses
- Document replacement
- Price gouging, scams, or identity theft
- Landlord and tenant problems, or threats of foreclosure and eviction
- Home repair contracts, insurance property claims and denials
Survivors can call the hotline anytime and leave a message if calling after hours.
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited its Community Resiliency Fund nonprofit grantees to submit stories related to their wildfire relief efforts.
La Clínica del Pueblo de Río Arriba
La Clínica del Pueblo de Río Arriba has been a trusted healthcare provider in northern New Mexico for more than 50 years, ensuring families in rural and remote communities can access quality, culturally responsive care close to home. Serving as a primary source of care for infants, toddlers, and caregivers in Rio Arriba County, the clinic recently launched La Clínica Baby Essentials — a new “baby bank” offering essential supplies, parenting education, and infant health screenings.
The Food Depot
Families need more than groceries to stay healthy and stable. That is why The Food Depot also operates Diaper Depot, providing diapers, wipes, and resources to hundreds of families each month. This wraparound program supports household well-being and helps families stay on a stronger path toward food security.
McCurdy Ministries
Local nonprofit McCurdy Ministries shares their story, including the early childhood programs that support young children and families in the Española Valley, offering care, education, and essential resources during critical early years.
