FEMA Boosts Support for Texans Affected by Dual Disasters
Jo-Carolyn Goode | 8/19/2024, 1:41 p.m.
Since May, Texans have faced the dual challenges of severe spring storms and Hurricane Beryl. In response, FEMA has ramped up efforts to provide relief, with significant aid already delivered to affected communities.
As of now, nearly 700,000 Texans have been approved for disaster assistance, amounting to over $844 million in support. This includes relief from both the spring storms and Hurricane Beryl, which struck in early July.
Although the deadline for spring storm assistance has passed, FEMA continues to offer support for those impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Nearly six weeks into the recovery, FEMA has issued over $451 million in aid, helping more than 602,000 Texans. The agency has also been busy on the ground, visiting over 95,000 homes and 1,189 public locations across 22 counties affected by the hurricane.
To date, FEMA has established 33 Disaster Recovery Centers, drawing more than 30,000 visitors, and has provided temporary hotel accommodations for 900 families and 17,000 individuals. Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $162.5 million in low-interest disaster loans to support homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses.
For those who haven’t yet applied for FEMA assistance related to Hurricane Beryl, there is still time. Eligible counties include Austin, Bowie, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance:
Online: Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov
Mobile App: Download the FEMA App
Phone: Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (available 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
In-Person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Find locations at https://www.fema.gov/drc
The SBA is also providing low-interest disaster loans. Apply online at https://www.sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955. For personal assistance, visit Business Recovery Centers at University of Houston Downtown, Trini Mendenhall Community Center, and East Montgomery County Improvement District.
For further details and updates, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=video or visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4798. Stay informed and follow FEMA Region 6 on [X](https://x.com/FEMARegion6) and https://www.facebook.com/femaregion6
Your path to recovery starts here—take action today!