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FEMA Approves More Than $614.7 Million for Recovery in Georgia

In the months since the 2024 storms, FEMA has approved more than $614.7 million in federal disaster assistance to help homeowners, renters and communities recover from Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene.This includes:$308.6 million approved for individuals and households. $306.1 million approved for community recovery.Under FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, homeowners and renters affected by the storms have received assistance for housing if they couldn’t live in their primary residence, as well as basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-caused expenses.Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA provides funding for communities that need help to cover their costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.These numbers will increase as FEMA continues to process the nearly 400,000 applications it has received for individual assistance and the more than 1,900 projects submitted for Public Assistance.Although the deadline for submitting applications has passed, FEMA is committed to remaining in Georgia to ensure all who are eligible for assistance receive it. […]

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FEMA to Host Housing Resource Fair Feb. 15 in Augusta

FEMA is hosting a Housing Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, in Augusta at the following location:Henry Brigham Community Center2463 Golden Camp Rd. C, Augusta, GA 30906The Housing Resource Fair will bring together federal, state and local agencies in one place to offer services and resources to families recovering from Hurricane Helene.  The goal of this collaborative effort is to help connect eligible disaster survivors with affordable housing along with valuable information and resources on their road to recovery.Survivors will meet with local housing organizations, property owners and landlords, as well as gain information on the HEARTS Georgia Sheltering Program, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.The Housing Resource Fair is an opportunity for survivors to: Explore affordable housing options and rental assistance programs.Meet with representatives from local housing organizations, landlords and property managers.Gain access to resources for displaced individuals and families.Learn about community partners that will provide educational funding resources to attendees. For FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Wallace, the Housing Resource Fair will give survivors that needed one-on-one experience: “We want survivors to know we are here for them and want to see the best outcome, which is moving into safe, sanitary and functioning housing,” he said. “We will walk them through their options to ensure they are aware of the resources that are available to fit their need.”Anyone who was affected by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, whether they have applied for FEMA assistance or not, is welcome to attend. […]

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Two Days Left for Georgians to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

The deadline is quickly approaching for Georgia survivors of Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 4—20. 2024) and Hurricane Helene (Sept. 24—Oct. 30, 2024) in the counties designated for Individual Assistance to apply federal assistance.The application period to apply for federal disaster assistance ends in two days, on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.Counties approved for assistance for Hurricane Helene are: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes.Counties approved for assistance for Tropical Storm Debby are: Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long and Screven.There are four ways to apply for assistance:Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.The FEMA App for mobile devicesCall toll-free 800-621-3362.  Survivors can also contact the Georgia Call Center Monday through Saturday at 678-547-2861 for assistance with their application.FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drcFEMA provides help to all disaster survivors, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Our top priority is ensuring that disaster assistance is reaching people in need.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton on X @FEMA_Cam. […]

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Answer Your Phone – FEMA May be Calling About Housing Resources

FEMA is calling eligible survivors in Georgia regarding the Home Key housing initiative.The Home Key initiative provides rapid strategies for securing immediate housing for survivors of Hurricane Helene who have been displaced from their primary residence by using existing resources from various community partners.The program’s top priority is securing long-term housing assistance for survivors in greatest need. FEMA will conduct a thorough review of your case to establish a need for housing. If eligible, you will have to complete and provide FEMA with some paperwork, including Release of Information forms. FEMA may refer you to available sheltering programs; provide assistance for securing Rental Assistance; or refer you to voluntary agencies or other FEMA programs.Calls from FEMA may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. It is important to answer the call as FEMA may call you regarding the Home Key initiative to help you with your immediate housing needs, provide you with additional assistance and give you general information about housing opportunities. Be aware of scammer calls; if you are uncertain of the validity of a call, hang up and call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Cameron Hamilton on X @FEMA_Cam. […]

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FEMA to Host Housing Resource Fair Feb. 8 in Valdosta

FEMA is hosting a Housing Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, in Valdosta at the following location:Lowndes Civic Center 2108 E Hill Ave, Building DValdosta, GA 31601The Housing Resource Fair will bring together federal, state and local agencies in one place to offer services and resources to families recovering from Hurricane Helene.  The goal of this collaborative effort is to help connect eligible disaster survivors with affordable housing along with valuable information and resources on their road to recovery.Survivors will meet with local housing organizations, property owners and landlords, as well as gain information on the HEARTS Georgia Sheltering Program, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.The Housing Resource Fair is an opportunity for survivors to: Explore affordable housing options and rental assistance programs. Meet with representatives from local housing organizations, landlords and property managers. Gain access to resources for displaced individuals and families. Learn about community partners that will provide educational funding resources to attendees. For FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Wallace, the Housing Resource Fair will give survivors that needed one-on-one experience: “We want survivors to know we are here for them and want to see the best outcome, which is moving into safe, sanitary and functioning housing,” he said. “We will walk them through their options to ensure they are aware of the resources that are available to fit their need.”Anyone who was affected by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, whether they have applied for FEMA assistance or not, is welcome to attend. […]

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Disaster Recovery Centers in Appling and Emanuel counties to Permanently Close Feb. 5

The Disaster Recovery Centers in Appling and Emanuel are set to permanently close at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5. They are currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.The recovery centers are at these locations:Appling CountyAppling County Center 83 S. Oak St.Baxley, GA 31513Emanuel CountySoutheastern Technical CollegeSpecial Programs Bldg.346 Kite Road, Building 1Swainsboro, GA 30401There are other centers currently operating in Georgia. Residents can find the center closest to them by going to fema.gov/drc. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs.There are additional ways to apply for assistance:Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.The FEMA App for mobile devicesCall toll-free 800-621-3362.  Survivors can also contact the Georgia Call Center Monday through Saturday at 678-547-2861 for assistance with their application.For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube.FEMA provides help to all disaster survivors, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Our top priority is ensuring that disaster assistance is reaching people in need. […]

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FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips to Georgians in Laurens and Toombs Counties

If you are making repairs to your home after Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 4–20) or Hurricane Helene (Sept. 24—Oct. 20), you can get tips from FEMA to make your home safer and stronger at Home Depot in Dublin (Laurens County) and at Lowe’s in Vidalia (Toombs County).FEMA Community Education Outreach (C.E.O.) Mitigation Specialists are available to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also offer tips and techniques on rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. The FEMA specialists will be available at these locations during the times and dates listed below:LOCATIONSHome Depot1833 Veterans Blvd.Dublin, GA 31021Lowe’s Home Improvement3209 East First St.Vidalia, GA 30474TIMES AND DATES Monday through Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Feb. 3, 2025, through Feb. 15, 2025.  […]

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Georgians Have One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Georgia survivors of Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 4—20. 2024) and Hurricane Helene (Sept. 24—Oct. 30, 2024) in the counties designated for Individual Assistance have just one week left to apply for FEMA assistance.The application period for federal disaster assistance ends on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.Counties approved for assistance for Hurricane Helene are: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes.Counties approved for assistance for Tropical Storm Debby are: Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long and Screven.There are four ways to apply for assistance:Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.The FEMA App for mobile devicesCall toll-free 800-621-3362.  Survivors can also contact the Georgia Call Center Monday through Saturday at 678-547-2861 for assistance with their application.FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drcFEMA provides help to all disaster survivors, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Our top priority is ensuring that disaster assistance is reaching people in need.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton on X @FEMA_Cam.###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. Learn more at fema.gov/helene/georgia […]

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FEMA Urges Georgians to Apply for Assistance Despite Concerns About Homeowners’ Insurance

If you were affected by Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 4—20, 2024) or Hurricane Helene (Sept. 24—Oct. 30, 2024) and have an active insurance policy, state and FEMA officials urge you to check with both your insurance company and FEMA to help you on your road to recovery. You do not need to have insurance to qualify for FEMA assistance and should not wait to submit your FEMA application. While FEMA assistance can only help with losses not covered by insurance, the assistance may help provide additional coverage for losses caused by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene.If you do have an active insurance policy, you are urged to apply with FEMA because you may be eligible for disaster assistance for basic home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-caused expenses that insurance didn’t cover. While you do not have to file an insurance claim before applying for FEMA disaster assistance, you will be required to provide FEMA with documentation regarding your insurance settlement or denial of your claim before being considered for certain types of assistance. Also, if your insurance benefits are delayed, FEMA can provide assistance to meet your immediate needs.While some survivors are likely concerned about the impact filing a claim may have on increasing their premiums, people affected by either or both of the storms should talk with their insurance agent to understand their deductible and associated out-of-pocket expenses to determine whether it makes sense to file a claim. In many instances, damage may fall below the policy deductible or otherwise not be covered by the policy. Insurance companies are encouraged to provide documentation necessary for their customers to apply for FEMA assistance for uncovered losses.If you feel your insurance settlement is insufficient to cover the damage, you may be able to use the free Disaster Legal Assistance to help appeal your claim with your insurance. Georgia residents can use this service to receive confidential, free legal assistance due to the disasters, who do not have the money to hire adequate legal services. If you are interested in receiving this legal assistance, call the toll-free legal hotline at 866-584-8027 or 404-527-8793.If you are in one of the 63 affected counties designated for Individual Assistance, you are eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. You can also contact the Georgia Call Center at 678-547-2861 Monday through Saturday for assistance with your application.To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton on X @FEMA_Cam.###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. […]

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FEMA Inspecting Homes After Hurricane Helene

After Georgians apply for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Helene, a home inspection may be necessary to help determine if an applicant is eligible for various types of assistance. Due to the number of counties impacted by the hurricane and the number of homes needing inspections, it may take time for an inspection to be scheduled.Inspectors will make an appointment with the applicant before coming. They will already have the applicant’s FEMA application number. They carry photo identification and will show it to the applicant. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed or recorded. Inspectors will never ask for, or accept, money. Their service is free.The inspectors will call or text applicants to arrange to meet at the home. They will leave messages and/or texts on the phone number listed on the FEMA application. These communications may come from unfamiliar phone numbers, and it is important that applicants respond so their application can be processed.Inspectors do not make decisions regarding eligibility for assistance. Information gathered during the inspection is part of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are eligible for federal assistance.The inspector will consider:The structural soundness of the home, both inside and outside.Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are all in working order.Whether the home is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely.A typical home inspection takes about 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, applicants should allow seven to 10 days for processing. If they have questions about the status of their application, they can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.Georgians can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. Survivors can also contact the Georgia Call Center Monday through Saturday at 678-547-2861 for assistance with their application. To apply in person, visit a Disaster Recovery Center. You may visit any open Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton on X @FEMA_Cam.###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/4830 […]