Community
Harris County Issues Beryl Recovery Resources Including FEMA Guidance, SBA Loans, Crisis Cleanup and More
July 12 2024
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) continues to support and coordinate recovery efforts following Beryl. On July 12, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. signed a disaster declaration for the State of Texas, directing FEMA to provide Individual Assistance to those impacted. Below is a list of federal, state, and local resources to help residents with recovery needs.
FEMA Resources
Residents can begin the application process by clicking this link, calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or downloading the FEMA app. For additional information about FEMA’s disaster assistance resources and Individual Assistance program, visit disasterassistance.gov.
After Texans apply for disaster assistance, FEMA may call them to schedule an inspection of the damaged home, or to obtain more information to process the application. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers.
It is important to answer the call. A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, functional, and accessible. If an inspection cannot be scheduled, that may cause a delay in FEMA’s review of the application.
There is no charge for an inspection. The inspector will have FEMA photo ID and the application number. FEMA representatives never ask for money.
If you receive a call from someone saying they are a FEMA representative, but you aren’t sure, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify the caller’s identity.
Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans
Harris County residents impacted by Beryl are eligible to apply for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans.
The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to apply for loans to repair property damage is September 10, 2024, and economic injury is April 14, 2025.
Connective
If you were impacted by the recent disaster, please fill out this 5-minute survey to register your needs. Connective works with our non-profit and volunteer community to help meet immediate needs following a disaster. Visit connectivesurvey.org.
Crisis Cleanup
Crisis Cleanup is available to help you after a disaster. This hotline process is helpful for those without internet access. Their services include muck & gut, debris removal, tarping, heavy item removal and much more. Residents can call 979-217-3791 for information.
Food Replacement
If you sustained power outages, you may be eligible for food replacement.
Homeowners and renters may be eligible for food replacement as part of their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy. Call your provider to check as each insurance company and policy can have different benefits and requirements.
SNAP recipients may also receive replacement benefits due to a sustained power outage. Contact 2-1-1 or visit yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home to complete the replacement benefits application.
Volunteer Opportunities
Crisis Cleanup
If your group (company, school, church, etc.) would like to volunteer, visit crisiscleanup.org/register to register your organization.
If your group (company, school, church, etc.) would like to volunteer, visit crisiscleanup.org/register to register your organization.
Volunteer Houston
Any individual who would like to volunteer to assist can register by visiting volunteerhou.org/disaster or by calling 211.
Source: ReadyHarris
