October 31, 2019
Disaster Recovery Centers Alter Hours Starting Sunday November 3rd
Two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) remain open in Harris County to help residents affected by Tropical Storm Imelda. Starting on Sunday 11/3/19, both locations will be open 8am-6pm, Monday-Saturday. All DRC Locations will operate on a limited schedule of 8am-12pm on Monday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
LOCATIONS
IT May Community Center
Harris County Social Services
Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), local and state agencies will be at the centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans. Even though DRCs may be limiting hours, residents can continue to apply for assistance through December 3rd.
APPLY FOR ASSISTANCEFEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program is for homeowners and renters who may be eligible for grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs. Apply now for IA:
Low-interest disaster loans from SBA are also available to businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters to cover residential and business losses because of Imelda. Applicants can visit the DRC for one-on-one assistance, or contact SBA:
- ONLINE: SBA.gov/disaster
- PHONE: 800-659-2955
- Most applicants for SBA will need to apply for FEMA assistance with BEFORE applying with SBA. See instructions above.
APPEAL PROCESS
Applying for federal disaster assistance is a process with several steps and many times this involves receiving a rejection or denial letter. If you are denied, this does not mean you will not get assistance. Often, more information is needed. Remember, you may appeal ANY decision with FEMA.
You must start the appeal within 60 days of receiving your initial decision letter from FEMA. Be prepared to be involved in an appeal process. Appeal, follow up, call and engage with the system as much as possible to make your voice and your needs are heard.
- Before you appeal…
- Contact your insurance company to make sure you have accurate information on their assessment and any funds they have provided.
- Maintain several copies of all of your important documents.
- Request your file from FEMA to see what info they have related to your decision.
Learn more about the Appeal Process:
https://www.disasterlegalaid.org/femaappeals/ADDITIONAL RESOURCES211 Texas/United Way Helpline, operated by United Way of Greater Houston, is committed to helping people connect with the services they may need for recovery.
- CALL 2-1-1 or 877 541-7905
- GO ONLINE to search the database at www.211texas.org
- 211 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and help can be provided in 150 different languages.
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