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Residents can continue to apply for Individual Assistance (IA) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019. Residents can apply for federal assistance online, over the phone, in-person at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) or using the FEMA mobile app. 

APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE
FEMA’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:

• ONLINE: DisasterAssistance.gov
• PHONE: 800-621-3362
• IN-PERSON: Recovery specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), local and state agencies continue to be at DRCs to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans.
  Harris County Social Services: 9418 Jensen Drive, Houston TX 77093
  Courtyard by Marriott Houston Kingwood (Cowboy Room): 130 Northpark Plaza Drive, Kingwood TX 77339
  HOURS: 8am-6pm, Monday-Saturday
  DRCs will remain open after December 3rd for residents to check the status of FEMA applications and speak with agency representatives.
• APP: Download the FEMA mobile app at https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app

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 RESOURCES
211 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.

Follow @ReadyHarris on social media for updates on recovery and additional recovery resources are available at www.ReadyHarris.org.