FEMA and SBA Assistance Available to Houston Residents

FEMA has set up in-person locations in Harris County for Houstonians seeking assistance to request assistance from the agency and learn more about their potential opportunities.

Disaster survivor assistance teams set up shop at the Fonde Community Center at 110 Sabine St. and the Spring Branch Family Development Center.
at 8575 Pitner Road. Community centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily starting Tuesday.

People can also request help online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. at 800-621-3362. Residents of Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties are potentially eligible for assistance.

Two FEMA benefits include the Serious Needs Assistance and Relocation Assistance programs. The Serious Needs Assistance program provides a $750 payment to pay for emergency supplies. The Displacement Assistance Program provides money to help with housing.

The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers loans to individuals and businesses in Texas that have been impacted by weather events over the past month, including last week’s derecho.

Businesses can receive up to $2 million in loans, while individuals can receive up to $500,000 in funds for damaged or destroyed real estate and $100,000 for damaged or destroyed personal property.

“The SBA’s mission-driven team is ready to help Texas small businesses and residents impacted by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding,” said Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration, in a recent press release. “We are committed to providing federal disaster loans quickly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to helping businesses and communities recover and rebuild.” »