Originally posted 2:58 p.m. Feb. 10, 2025.

Updated 11:15 a.m. Feb. 11, 2025 to correct the date of the Disaster Recovery Center’s closing.

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Housing Resource Fair welcomed about 201 attendees Saturday at the Lowndes County Civic Center.

Although the event officially began at 9 a.m., participants began lining up as early as 6, according to an email from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

FEMA representatives were on-site to greet visitors and guide them to the appropriate resources. Attendees had the opportunity to engage not only with FEMA, but also with a variety of state, local, and federal agencies, while exploring connections to affordable housing options within the community.

“The FEMA Housing Resource Fair is a vital opportunity for disaster survivors in Valdosta to access affordable housing solutions, ensuring they have a safe place to rebuild their lives and regain stability,” said FEMA media relations specialist Kelly Gaskins.

Friday was the last day for a survivor of Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Debby to apply for FEMA assistance, but Saturday’s housing fair was intended to connect survivors who had already applied with affordable housing along with valuable information and resources on their road to recovery.

Disaster survivors who previously applied for federal assistance before the Feb. 7 deadline were able to meet with local housing organizations, property owners and landlords, as well as gained information on the HEARTS Georgia Sheltering Program and U.S. Small Business Administration loans, Gaskins said.

The Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Valdosta State University Foundation, 901 N. Patterson St., has remained open after the deadline to serve people who’ve already applied for assistance. FEMA announced on Monday that it will be closing at the end of business on Saturday. Until then, it will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

People who have not applied for assistance because of a serious illness or injury, a death in the household, travel that has kept them away from the area since the hurricane, or other major impediment may still be able to apply. Visit the Disaster Recovery Center for individualized help.