Disaster Relief

FEMA: President Trump Signs Emergency Declaration for American Samoa

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal emergency aid has been made available to the territory of American Samoa to supplement territory and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Tropical Storm Gita beginning on February 7, 2018, and continuing. The…

FEMA: Applicants Sought for National Advisory Council

FEMA announced today the agency is now accepting applications for open positions for its National Advisory Council (NAC); qualified individuals who are interested in serving may submit an application to be considered for appointment now, through March 18, 2018. The NAC is a federal advisory committee of up to 35 members that advises the FEMA…

FEMA: Agency Seeks Youth Leaders for National Youth Preparedness Council

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that it is seeking applicants for the Youth Preparedness Council, which brings together teens from across the country who are interested and engaged in community preparedness. Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities, and…

HUD: $243 Million in Grants Awarded to Help U.S. Virgin Islands Recover from Hurricanes

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $242.7 million to help the U.S. Virgin Islands to recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. HUD’s Deputy Secretary Pamela Hughes Patenaude announced the disaster recovery grants with Governor Kenneth E. Mapp during a tour of damaged homes in St. Thomas. These recovery funds awarded…

FEMA: More Than $1 Billion in Grants Awarded to Survivors in Puerto Rico

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – As Puerto Rico progresses from response to recovery, FEMA and the government of Puerto Rico continue to support the needs of survivors; so far FEMA has approved more than $1 billion in grants to Hurricanes Irma and María survivors. More than 3,000 federal employees, including 1,500 local hires, are supporting the…

FEMA: Statement on Provision of Commodities in Puerto Rico

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – FEMA and the Government of Puerto Rico are not stopping the provision of commodities in Puerto Rico. FEMA and the Government of Puerto Rico will continue to provide commodities to voluntary organizations and local officials who have a need for resources in their communities. There was never, and is not now,…

HUD: $1.5 Billion Awarded to Help Puerto Rico Recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria

Disaster recovery funds to help repair damaged housing and businesses WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded more than $1.5 billion to help Puerto Rico to recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. HUD’s Deputy Secretary Pamela Hughes Patenaude announced the disaster recovery grants with Governor Ricardo Rosselló during her…

FEMA: Houses of Worship Have Until February 16th to Apply for FEMA Public Assistance

ST. CROIX, Virgin Islands – With the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) recent change in policy to allow private nonprofit (PNP) houses of worship to be eligible for disaster assistance, the deadline for these entities to make a Request for Public Assistance in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been extended to Feb. 16, 2018. FEMA…

FEMA: Encouraging Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness for Coastal Communities

Following an intense earthquake that occurred in the Gulf of Alaska, which prompted tsunami watches, advisories and warnings across many state coastlines, FEMA continues to highlight safety tips for those who live in or visit coastal communities.  While today’s immediate threat has passed, the situation serves as a reminder to all that there are steps…

FEMA: Understanding Your FEMA Assistance Determination Letter

Survivors of Hurricanes Irma and Maria who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance receive a determination letter with their eligibility decision and the reason for it. For those who are eligible, the letter states the dollar amount of the grant and how the funds should be used. When ineligible, the letter explains why and how…