AUSTIN - The Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF) today announced the distribution of $1.5 million in emergency funds to legal aid organizations in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. These funds will help provide a range of civil legal services for low-income Texans impacted by the hurricane.

The announcement was made at a luncheon with the Texas Supreme Court justices, and is timely as the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, The Texas Access to Justice Commission, the State Bar of Texas and Texas legal aid organizations join in an effort to celebrate and recognize this week as Pro Bono Week. Pro Bono Week highlights the need to expand access to justice through pro bono civil legal services.

The emergency funds made available to legal aid providers address the long-term effects Harvey has had on low-income Texans. Distributing the funds will take a three-pronged approach: providing on-going support to secure “boots on the ground” with additional staffing needs, serving Harvey survivors who cannot otherwise access civil legal aid, and hiring professional, dedicated staff to coordinate volunteer opportunities that have surfaced in the aftermath of Harvey, placing emphasis on legal aid support.