Representatives from FEMA and the US Small Business Administration held a town hall Thursday evening to answer questions from applicants entering the financial aid process.
Dunbar Clergy has partnered with FEMA and the SBA to review public and individual assistance programs, loan applications, and flood insurance at Dunbar High School.
“We are your best advocate,” said FEMA Representative Samuel Harvey. “We have over 1,000 employees visiting Florida. I know it doesn’t always seem like it, but each of us wants to give you the best.
Applying for FEMA assistance is divided into two groups: individual assistance and public assistance. State, local, tribal, and territorial governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in 26 designated counties listed on the FEMA website are considered for public assistance and are eligible for repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the disaster. Public assistance is fully covered for the first 60 days after the natural disaster.
Households in designated counties must apply for financial and direct services under Individual Assistance. Eligible individuals who are uninsured or underinsured with expenses can access FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program under Individual Assistance.
“If you don’t know what to do, apply to FEMA,” Harvey said. “If you’ve applied and haven’t heard a response, the bottom line is if you’re not sure what’s going on, give us a call.”
Based on the information submitted, a person can receive a request for a small business loan application.
“[Loans] aren’t necessarily going to give you 1000% support, but they’ll get you home to a safe and secure environment,” said SBA specialist Terrell Perry. “They will replace your personal possessions, your car and your livelihood.”
Businesses of all sizes located in designated disaster areas are eligible for a small business loan. Private non-profit organizations, landlords and tenants are encouraged to apply.
“I get information for other people in the community who still don’t have internet and still don’t have the ability to apply online.”
Kimberly Stone, session participant
“Our house took on six inches of water and destroyed our wood floors,” Rad Sturgis said. “We repair and cut all drywall.”
Sturgis is turning to his flood insurance for help and has no interest in taking out a loan, but he says there has been confusion around the application process.
“For those who have internet, [the application process] was relatively easy,” said Kimberly Stone, who attended last night’s sessions. “I get information for other people in the community who still don’t have internet and still don’t have the ability to apply online.”
Flood insurance is available to anyone living in one of the communities designated by the National Flood Insurance Program. Homes and businesses in high-risk flood zones with mortgages from government-backed lenders must have flood insurance, making them eligible for assistance after Hurricane Ian.
Participants received a document from Tzu Chi USA, a Buddhist organization, detailing their emergency financial assistance to key residents of homes that were badly damaged by the hurricane. To register for help, visit https://tzuchi.us/ianrelief/application or email Southern_admin@tzuchi.us
Visit https://www.fema.gov/ for more information on Hurricane Ian recovery efforts and how to apply for SBA loans.
This story was produced by Democracy Watch, a news service provided by Florida Gulf Coast University journalism students. The journalist can be reached at rjhazel4249@eagle.fgcu.edu
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