FEMA announces many forms of assistance available to local residents

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Texans recovering from the storms and flooding April 26 - June 5 may still need FEMA assistance for basic home repairs, rental of temporary housing, and other uninsured expenses. Additionally, impending storms this week might cause new or additional damage, and hurricane season has only just started.

More than 23,000 Texas families have stayed in hotels temporarily because they could not return to their damaged homes. As deadlines are approaching, survivors may qualify for other programs and resources available to help.

Those in need of help can apply to FEMA for assistance. Financial help may be available for rent, home repair, personal property replacement, food, diapers, damaged computers, medical and dental expenses, vehicle repair, and many other expenses caused by the disaster.

More than 47,000 Texas households in 35 counties already are being helped by FEMA, and more applicants are approved every day.

To apply for FEMA assistance, homeowners and renters in Montgomery County can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov; download the FEMA app for mobile devices; call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.; or visit any Disaster Recovery Center. The Montgomery County center is located at the East Montgomery County Community Center, 16401 1st St., Splendora, 77372. For locations and hours for other centers, go online to fema.gov/drc.

The deadline to apply is July 16. FEMA has other forms of financial help available for Texans, including Serious Needs Assistance, Displacement Assistance, Home Repair Assistance, Rental Assistance, Personal Property Assistance, Transportation Assistance, Medical and Dental Assistance, and Funeral Assistance.

Texans in designated counties affected by the storms – which include Montgomery County – may be eligible to apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling Texas Workforce Commission at 800-939-6631 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The deadline is July 16.

For the latest information on Texas disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4781. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.