The experience of homelessness for those who have been forced out of their homes as a result of a natural disaster is particularly devastating. Suddenly, in spite of years of careful planning and saving, you may have lost your home and its valued contents. You may have lost treasured mementos and cherished possessions that are an important part of your history. If this is the case, you have reason to grieve. While no one can truly recapture all that you have lost, there is help available to help you begin again.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

If your area is declared a national disaster, you may qualify for financial aid. You are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance or aid, regardless of the extent of the disaster you experienced.

People who suffered damages from the storms are eligible for assistance through various programs offered by FEMA. If you are a renter, you may be eligible for a grant from FEMA to cover Short term rent assistance at a new location. The process involved in applying for FEMA may seem time-consuming. However, you may be missing an important source of financial assistance if you fail to take advantage of this opportunity.

When you apply, please have the following information available:

• Social Security number
• Current and pre-disaster address
• Telephone numbers where you can be contacted
• Insurance Information
• Total household income
• A routing and account number from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly)

Call the FEMA Helpline or check online if you need additional help or have questions. You can also learn the status of an application, additional services, or the location of specific services.

FEMA Application Line - 800-621-FEMA (3362)
TTY # - 800-462-7585

You can also apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.