Hurricane Isaias survivors in Walton County, Florida, who were denied Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance or received only partial approval now have another place to turn for help.
Paperwork problems that may be delaying disaster relief can be addressed in person with agency representatives. Residents can find that help at an assistance center that has reopened in DeFuniak Springs.
Here's what to know
The Multi-Agency Resource Center brings together staff from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, FEMA, and the Small Business Administration, WJHG reported.
Federal individual assistance became available in Walton County under an approved major disaster declaration, with the center reopening afterward. FEMA has received aid registrations from more than 500 residents.
For survivors trying to understand a claim decision, the center offers a place to ask questions directly of agency staff, explained Jeff Goldberg, Walton County's emergency management director, per WJHG.
More background
Approval delays often come down to documentation. Goldberg identified missing or incomplete paperwork as one of the most common problems survivors encounter.
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Renters and local businesses can also apply for low-interest SBA loans, providing another potential way to address hurricane losses.
"Register if you've experienced any type of losses — whether it's food in your refrigerator — because that's something that you could potentially get FEMA assistance for," Goldberg said.
What can be done?
Survivors can begin by applying online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
"We like to tell folks, if you apply online, which is the first step, if you get a denial or you get a partial approval, to come in and speak with the representatives here because it may just be a documentation issue," Goldberg said.
The DeFuniak Springs center will operate through Dec. 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Where can I learn more?
Disaster survivors elsewhere have faced similar hurdles getting aid.
• A Florida bill giving survivors 90 days to appeal FEMA denials has cleared a committee.
• Florida's Charlotte County faces a $93.9 million recovery gap after spending $267 million on hurricanes.
• FEMA denied rebuilding aid to a Texas woman who escaped flooding with her dog.
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