The audience posed some great questions for myself, Representative Spears, and representatives from RI CRMC, RI EMA, and FEMA representatives to discuss. We covered recent storm recovery work, CRMC regulations, and funding opportunities for mitigation work.

FEMA and RI EMA representatives did a presentation and will still be available to assist individuals and business owners who sustained losses during the Dec 17-19th 2023/Jan 9th-13th 2024 storms and are eligible for federal disaster relief funds. 

Homeowners and Renters: Individual Assistance Grants from FEMA

People across South County (as well as Kent and Providence counties) who sustained damage on their primary home during the Dec 17-19th 2023/Jan 9th-13th 2024 storms can apply. There are a variety of damages you can include in your application, including house damage, car damage, rental assistance if you were displaced as a renter, and losing time from work as a result of the storms. 

Note: FEMA cannot reimburse for expenses that were already covered by insurance, but they can usually help with gaps in insurance coverage.

Register online and create your account with DisasterAssistance.Gov, or call 1-800-621-3362.

The deadline to register online is May 20th, 2024. You don’t have to complete your application by then, but you have to be registered. If you are unsure about whether you need FEMA funds (for example, your insurance company is still processing your claim), FEMA still encourages you to register and get yourself in the queue, and then FEMA will work to understand your specific circumstances. You can decide later how much assistance you actually need.

Small Businesses: Low-Interest Loans through SBA for disaster relief and mitigation

Businesses and homeowners affected by the disaster may also be eligible for low-interest loans (usually 2-3%) through the Small Business Administration (SBA). You can still come back to SBA later to apply for mitigation funds in order to build your structure back stronger and more resilient.

Link to apply: SBA.gov/Disaster