Disaster Relief

FEMA: October California Wildfires Two Month Recovery Update

In October 2017, as the California wildfires were still burning, personnel from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had boots on the ground to assure that survivors would get the help they needed as quickly as possible. When the state’s request for a major disaster…

FEMA: President Trump Signs Emergency Declaration for California

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of California to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from wildfires beginning on December 4, 2017, and continuing. The President’s action authorizes FEMA to…

FEMA: Progress Update on Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the U.S. Virgin Islands

After Hurricane Irma devastated much of St. Thomas and St. John three months ago, St. Croix became a base of operations for first responders, who began life-saving and life-sustaining missions to support survivors. But within two weeks, fierce winds and torrential rains from Hurricane Maria struck St. Croix, devastating even more infrastructure and services. Hurricane…

FEMA: Applicants May Appeal an Initial FEMA Determination Letter

If you registered with FEMA following Hurricane Irma and received a determination letter regarding your eligibility for assistance, read the letter carefully. It might not be the final answer. You may just need to submit extra documents for FEMA to process your application. Examples of missing documentation may include an insurance settlement letter, proof of…

FEMA: Coping with Holiday Stress after a Disaster

If you lost your home, business or personal property due to Hurricane Irma, you or your family may be struggling to cope with the emotional impact of the disaster. For individuals and families looking to rebuild, the approaching holidays may be especially difficult. FEMA’s online information, Coping with Disaster provides suggestions that may ease the…

HUD: Deputy Secretary Leads Senior Recovery Team to Puerto Rico

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary, Pamela Hughes Patenaude will visit Puerto Rico this week to get a closer look at the island’s recovery from Hurricane Maria. Patenaude will be joined by members of HUD’s Disaster Recovery and Long-Term Housing Team. “The HUD recovery team on the ground in Puerto Rico is comprised…

HUD: Public Awareness Campaign Launched to Help Struggling Homeowners Impacted by Hurricane Harvey

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Texas General Land Office (GLO) today launched a public awareness campaign to inform owners of homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey that help is available to avoid foreclosure and to finance repairs. “After a major disaster like Hurricane Harvey, struggling homeowners need to know that…

FEMA: As Historic 2017 Hurricane Season Comes to an End, Federal Support to Recovery Continues

While Nov. 30 marks the end of a historic hurricane season, FEMA and its partners continue to work diligently in support of disaster survivors recovering from the devastating season.  Four hurricanes made landfall:  Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate (the first three were classified as major hurricanes, which affected roughly 25.8 million people). Also during this…

FEMA: Partnerships and Progress – $10 Billion in Disaster Assistance in the Hands of Texans

AUSTIN, Texas – More than $10 billion in state and federal resources and plenty of hard work by resilient Texans pave the way to recovery from Hurricane Harvey. Here’s a snapshot of recovery 90 days after the Category 4 storm struck Texas: $1.4 billion in federal grants were approved for 350,000 homeowners and renters. $2.6…

FEMA: Flooded Louisiana Schools Receive $14 Million More in Recovery Funding

Approximately $14 million in federal disaster aid will support schools in Ascension, East Baton Rouge and Tangipahoa parishes with recovery and repair efforts following the August 2016 floods. Some repair projects received supplemental funding to enhance construction, reduce flood damage and break the cycle of repetitive losses. Students and schools in these parishes will benefit…