Affected by the recent wave of storms in Houston? Here’s how to apply for financial aid – Houston Public Media

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened 10 disaster recovery centers around Houston to help residents affected by the recent wave of storms and wishing to apply for stimulus loans.

FEMA has already received more than 100,000 applications from residents seeking funding for rebuilding after the storms, and more than 89,000 applications have been approved. The agency has so far approved more than $21 million in loans for those who applied.

More than 5,000 applicants have applied for a low-interest disaster loan from the Small Business Administration, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said Wednesday.

RELATED: FEMA has approved $21 million in loans so far for Houston-area residents affected by recent storms

Here are the steps you can take to report your storm-related damages and request financial assistance for damaged property.

Apply online

Residents interested in applying for a loan can follow a few steps online to start the process.

The Disaster Assistance Enhancement Program webpage, DisasterAssistance.gov, will ask applicants a few questions to see if they qualify for financial aid first. The app will ask users to create an account on login.gov.

The online application process is available in English and Spanish.

Those requesting help can save their progress and come back later to complete their request, according to the webpage. Applicants are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible.

They will then be guided through a number of online slides during the application process. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security encourages applicants to prepare the following information at the start of their application:

• Personal, postal and e-mail addresses
• Phone number
• Social Security number
• Banking and insurance information

Applicants can go back and edit or add additional information before submitting their application to FEMA. Applicants must record and maintain their application identification number.

July 16 is the deadline to apply for disaster relief funding related to the storms, deadly winds, tornadoes and flooding that have hit the state since April 26, according to FEMA.

If FEMA cannot determine the applicant’s qualification for disaster recovery based on the application alone, the agency will request more information or inspect the applicant’s home.

The agency will notify applicants by sending them an online message through the Disaster Assistance Portal. FEMA will also email applicants when they receive a message.

FEMA will send payments using the applicant’s preferred method if eligible.

Those who need help applying online can call the FEMA hotline at 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

For losses incurred by Houston area businesses, including property damage and economic losses, business owners may qualify for a loan from the US Small Business Administration by visiting the US Small Loan Portal Business Administration at lending.sba.gov.

The deadline for physical damage reporting for businesses is July 16. The deadline for economic injury declarations for businesses is February 18, 2024, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Visit in person

Visit one of 10 Houston area disaster recovery centers for help applying for a recovery loan. Center workers will guide residents through the application process and provide personalized assistance. Residents can also request interpreters or accommodations when applying in person.

“Take advantage of us while we’re here,” FEMA spokeswoman Lenisha Smith said earlier this week. “Help us help you. Contact us, ask your questions, bring your documentation if you’re not sure what you need.”

RELATED: Three new FEMA disaster recovery centers open in Harris, Liberty and Trinity counties

Hardin County

• Hardin County Courthouse Annex, 1135 Redwood St. Kountze, TX 77625

Harris County

• Fonde Community Recreation Center, 110 Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007
• Leon Z Grayson Community Center, 13828 Corpus Christi St., Houston, TX 77015
• Spring Branch Family Development Center, 8575 Pitner Road, Houston, TX 77080
• Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Ln., Houston, TX 77084

Montgomery County

• East Montgomery County Community Development Center, 16401 1st St., Splendora, TX 77372

Liberty County

• Jack Hartel Building, 318 San Jacinto Street, Liberty, TX 77575

San Jacinto County

• Innovation Center, 250 Live Oak Coldspring, TX 77331

Trinity County

• Trinity ISD Conference Room, 101 W. Jefferson St., Trinity, TX 75862

Walker County

• Walker Storm Shelter, 455 TX 75 N., Huntsville, TX 77320

“Some people may find it a little difficult to go online or over the phone to go through the application process,” Smith said. “Maybe they have a harder time understanding what the questions are asking. So coming in and sitting down with someone makes it a lot easier for them to go through that process.”

No appointment is necessary for those applying in person.