Hurricane Harvey Recovery: Updated Resources
The Coastal Bend is progressing in our recovery from Hurricane Harvey. There are resources still available to assist in disaster recovery. Many organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), United States Small Business Association (US SBA), Texas General Land Office (GLO), and the Commission to Rebuild Texas are working together to assist our residents with their short and long-term needs.
The Texas GLO and FEMA have partnered together to create “Texas Rebuilds”. Texas Rebuilds is a locally led, state supported and federally funded organization established to provide Hurricane Harvey relief through a variety of programs. To apply for the Individual Assistance programs visit Disaster Assistance Program or call 1-800-621-3362. For more information visit Texas Rebuilds.
The first program to note is the Partial Repair and Essential Power for Shelter (PREPS) program. This was created to provide basic/minor emergency home repairs in locations with limited housing options. To qualify for this individual assistance program: the applicant must be the homeowner; the property must be the applicant’s primary residence; the property must have sustained limited damage from Hurricane Harvey; and resulted in displacement of the homeowner(s).
Another program to be aware of is the Direct Assistance for Limited Home Repair (DALHR) program. Homes with significant damage and located in an area that alternative housing is not available or cost-effective may be eligible for permanent repairs through the DALHR program. Eligibility for this permanent housing construction is determined on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please visit Direct Assistance for Limited Home Repair (DALHR).
The US SBA’s primary mission is to assist small business’ with loans, contracts, counseling sessions, etc. During times of disaster FEMA and SBA work together to assist homeowners and renters, as well. When you apply for disaster relief assistance with FEMA, you may be referred to SBA. SBA can loan qualified homeowners up to $200,000 for disaster-related home repairs. SBA also allows homeowners or renters to borrow up to $40,000 to replace disaster-damaged personal property (including vehicles). It is highly important to note that SBA cannot duplicate benefits from your insurance or FEMA. For more information on SBA’s individual assistance programs, please visit FEMA Small Business or visit SBA. You can also reach the SBA by calling 1-800-659-2955 or 361-879-0017.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672
