Hurricane Harvey: Helpful Resources
The residents of the Coastal Bend are working diligently to restore homes, businesses, etc. Several programs have been initiated and/or continued to assist Hurricane Harvey survivors with relief and recovery efforts. You can find up-to-date information at the following websites:
• Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services offers this short-term food assistance
program to families recovering from a disaster. You can find the eligibility requirements
and application on the website above.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance
The Texas Workforce Commission is offering several programs for Texas residents affect by
Hurricane Harvey. These include disaster-related unemployment benefits, unemployment tax
services, job searches, career information, etc. Links to all these resources can be
found on the website above.
• Commission to Rebuild Texas (CRT)
Throughout this website, you can find helpful links to resources for housing needs (long-
term and short-term) and programs that provide individual assistance. The articles within
the website provide up-to-date information on recovery efforts across the state, as well.
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Emergency Services Program (ESP)- Texas Emergency Management On-Line
The HHSC ESP provides financial help and cases management to help Texans recover from
disaster. Those who qualify can receive help in creating a disaster recovery plan,
rebuilding their home, and replacing personal property.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax relief program – or call 866-562-5227
The declaration of a major disaster in Texas permits the IRS to postpone certain
deadlines for taxpayers who reside and/or have business in the disaster areas; allowing
additional time to file taxes. For more information, please visit the website or call
their hotline provided above.
• American Red Cross (ARC) Hurricane Harvey Assistance program
Qualified candidates can receive financial assistance from the ARC. You can find more
information and the application on the website above.
• Harvey “Rumor Control” or call 855-336-2003
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created a list of misleading
information/rumors circulating around the internet. You can find the truths about varying
topics (I.E. Rumor: Danger of Plague; Rumor: Fuel Shortages; Rumor: Flood Insurance
Deadline; etc.). There are a few scams listed on this website, as well.
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
