CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) – Nearly two weeks after President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for West Virginia, more than $1 million has been approved for renters and homeowners facing the aftermath of the severe weather experienced from May 2 to April 6, 2024.
Funds designated for relief efforts include more than $675,000 in housing assistance to help homeowners and renters facing obstacles such as temporary housing and essential home repairs. Additionally, more than $417,000 has been allocated for assistance with other needs, covering expenses such as transportation, medical and dental expenses, and child care. So far, more than 756 homes and businesses have registered with FEMA.
FEMA is pleased and proud to be able to help West Virginians recover from the devastation of those early April storms. We are especially pleased to see how updates to the Individual Assistance program have helped more people get the funds they need faster and easier.
Jeff Jones | Federal Coordinator
Five home inspectors have completed more than 300 inspections of storm-damaged properties to verify damage to date. Federal disaster assistance is available to residents of 11 counties: Fayette, Nicholas, Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Marshall, Ohio, Putnam, Wayne and Wetzel.
The State and FEMA have opened two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Kanawha and Nicholas counties, with Putnam and Wetzel counties scheduled to open this week, with more opening soon. The centers are open from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. The Kanawha County DRC will be open until June 8. Future locations serving Kanawha County will be announced weekly as they are established.
Major Disaster Declaration for Severe Weather Events in April 2024 Announced by Governor Justice and West Virginia Division of Emergency Management
The Kanawha County Disaster Recovery Center is located at the Tyler Mountain Fire Department, 5380 Big Tyler Road, Charleston, WV, 25313.
The Nicholas County Disaster Recovery Center is located at the Nicholas County Office of Emergency Management, 449 Water Street, Summersville, WV, 26651.
Those who have survived the disaster do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register with FEMA. If you are unable to visit a DRC, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free line operates from 7 am to 11 pm, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or others, provide the number for that service to FEMA.
The easiest and fastest way to apply for help is by visiting the disaster assistance website.
FEMA has deployed six Disaster Survivor Assistance teams to inspect shelters and visit storm-damaged homes in hardest-hit areas to register people and answer questions they may have.
Stormy Wednesday threatens heavy rain
There is also other help available for individuals:
- Additional disaster recovery centers will open in affected counties. Visit the FEMA DRC Locator page for details on open centers in West Virginia.
- For those who lost their jobs due to the storms, Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available. Visit Work Force West Virginia for more information.
FEMA disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and do not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare, food stamps, and various other programs. Disaster grants do not have to be returned to the government.
One of FEMA’s federal partners in disaster recovery, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of various sizes, homeowners, renters and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans can cover reconstruction costs, repairs, as well as the cost of replacing real and personal property lost or damaged by the disaster.
For information on SBA loans, call the Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email the SBA here, or visit the SBA website, where applicants can also apply for an SBA loan. SBA online. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
For more information about West Virginia disaster recovery, click here.
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