Lone Star Legal Aid’s Amanda Bosley Helps 65-Year-Old Widow Safely Return Home After Hurricane Beryl

When 65-year-old Royce Galbreath reached out to Lone Star Legal Aid, she had already received a denial from FEMA. A widow living with limited mobility, Royce relied on her cane and walker to move around her home, made accessible by a ramp and lift system. But after Hurricane Beryl tore through her neighborhood, her home was no longer the safe space she had known. The storm left her roof leaking, the interior water-damaged, and her accessibility equipment unusable.

Unsure where to turn, Royce came to LSLA’s Disaster Relief Unit for help.

Supervising Attorney Amanda Bosley took action immediately, helping Royce file an appeal with FEMA for the home repairs and accessibility support she desperately needed. The appeal process can be confusing and often requires things like damage photos, repair estimates, or proof of a medical condition. It’s not always easy to get through, but with the right help and persistence, it’s possible to get the support needed to recover after a disaster.

After LSLA’s first appeal, Royce was awarded funding to begin addressing her home repair and accessibility needs. But her roof still posed a serious hazard. Attorney Bosley filed a second appeal, this time seeking hazard mitigation assistance—support specifically aimed at making homes more resistant to future disasters. FEMA approved the request, and Royce was able to move forward with essential roof repairs.

Recognizing that more work was still needed to fully secure her home, LSLA appealed one final time for additional hazard mitigation support. That last appeal was successful, and Royce finally had the resources to complete the job.

Because of her determination—and LSLA’s commitment to standing by her through every step of the appeals process—Royce was able to restore the safety and accessibility of her home after the storm.