November 19, 2024 by Clarissa Ayala
Turning the Tide: Lone Star Legal Aid’s Amanda Bosley Helped a Disaster Survivor Reclaim Her Future
Stephanie Hume, a 46-year-old single mother of three, faced an uphill battle after her home was heavily damaged during the April/May 2024 storms. She had inherited her father’s home after his passing, but the property records had never been updated to reflect her ownership. While her father’s will was probated, and she was named the sole heir, FEMA denied her disaster assistance application, citing a lack of proof of ownership—a common roadblock for disaster survivors.
Proof of ownership is one of the most frequent reasons FEMA applications are denied. Survivors often inherit homes informally or, like Stephanie, encounter technicalities in record-keeping that prevent them from meeting FEMA’s strict documentation requirements. For families already struggling after a disaster, this creates an additional layer of frustration and hardship.
Stephanie’s case was assigned to Amanda Bosley, the Supervising Attorney of Lone Star Legal Aid’s Disaster Relief Unit. Amanda worked closely with Stephanie to prepare a strong appeal. She outlined Stephanie’s legal ownership under FEMA’s guidelines and submitted supporting documentation, including her father’s probated will and letters testamentary. Amanda’s expertise and attention to detail ensured that FEMA had the information needed to review Stephanie’s case fairly.
As a result of Amanda’s advocacy, FEMA overturned its initial denial and awarded Stephanie $11,839.96 in disaster assistance. This funding allowed Stephanie to begin the critical repairs needed to restore her home, providing a safe and stable environment for her and her children.
Stephanie’s story illustrates how essential legal aid is for disaster survivors facing systemic hurdles. Lone Star Legal Aid’s Disaster Relief Unit not only helps families like Stephanie’s navigate complex bureaucracies but also ensures that survivors have the resources they need to rebuild their lives and their homes.
Please note: The client’s name has been changed to protect her identity.
