The Federal Emergency Management Agency remains committed to helping Georgians on their road to recovery and continues to work with federal, state and local agencies to find survivors affordable housing options. 

FEMA will host another Housing Resource Fair April 26 at the Burke County Office Park Auditorium at 715 W 6th St. in Waynesboro.

In a news release, the agency provided highlights from the efforts in Georgia:

• As of April 17, FEMA has approved more than 402,600 applications for assistance and has approved more than $359.7 million in assistance to survivors for Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby.
• This includes more than $10.2 million in rental assistance to more than 4,200 Georgia families. Additionally, to date, FEMA secured long term housing for nearly 180 families. Officials continue to reach out to survivors who may not have applied for assistance to let them know the housing options we can provide to them.
• FEMA has approved more than $461.9 million in public assistance to help communities remove debris and pay for management costs incurred by the state due to Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby. To date, more than 38.4 million cubic yards of debris have been removed.

FEMA staff is assisting survivors in Lowndes County at Valdosta State University Foundation Inc., 901 North Patterson St., Valdosta, from  9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Understanding the FEMA eligibility letter

Those applied for FEMA assistance after Tropical Storm Debby and/or Hurricane Helene will receive an eligibility letter in the mail or by email.

The letter will explain each person’s application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.

Stay in touch with FEMA

FEMA may need to call those who apply for more information or to continue processing an application for assistance after Tropical Storm Debby, Aug. 4-20, 2024, or Hurricane Helene, Sept. 24-Oct. 30, 2024.

If there are changes to an applicant’s phone number, current address, banking or insurance information, let FEMA know as soon as possible.

Disaster assistance and recovery

FEMA is calling eligible survivors in Georgia regarding long-term housing solutions.

These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. It is important to answer the call because FEMA may be calling to help with immediate housing needs, provide an applicant with additional assistance and give general information about housing opportunities.

According to an agency news release, FEMA assistance does not replace insurance and cannot restore a home to its pre-disaster condition. But FEMA may be able to provide help for uninsured costs.

As part of the disaster assistance process, homeowners must prove ownership of the property damaged by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene. Owners and renters experiencing loss from the storms must also be able to prove they occupied the disaster-damaged primary residence before receiving housing assistance and some types of other beeds assistance. FEMA accepts a broad range of documentation.

Additional federal partner assistance

• The deadline for U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans for physical damage has been extended to April 27. For economic injury loans, the deadline is June 30. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster, by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or by visiting a Business Recovery Center. Applicants can also locate open centers on Locator Map – SBA BRC.
• Disaster assistance programs for farmers, ranchers: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency offers physical loss loans for Georgia farmers. These loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. The deadline to apply is June 3. Visit Disaster Assistance Programs (usda.gov) to learn more. 

Protection during recovery

• Permits are needed before rebuilding: Residents are reminded that if their home, business or other structure was damaged by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, every part of a building requires a permit before rebuilding. A permit also may be needed for demolition.
• FEMA cautions survivors to be aware of post-disaster fraud and scams. Fake or unlicensed contractors may try to take advantage of survivors.

Make sure the people hired are authorized to do the work, will complete it and do a good job. Check for proper credentials. Contact the Georgia Licensing Board for General Contractors. FEMA does not certify contractors.

Additionally, be aware that con artists may try to steal money or personal information through fraud or identity theft. All FEMA staff and housing inspectors carry official identification. Ask to see it. A FEMA inspector will never ask for an applicant’s registration number. They already have it in their records. FEMA inspectors never require banking or other personal information such as a Social Security number.