Federal Assistance for Hurricane Helene Survivors Surpasses $137 Million

FEMA continues its robust response and recovery efforts in the Southeast following the devastation caused by Helene.

Federal assistance for survivors has now surpassed $137 million, with FEMA’s mission remaining steadfast in helping communities recover and rebuild.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is leading one of the largest mobilizations of federal personnel, partners and resources in recent history to heed the call of helping survivors and bolstering efforts across all levels of government. The agency is actively working alongside state, local, and tribal partners to assess damage and support those affected by the disaster.

Nearly 7,000 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed, including FEMA staff. To date, FEMA has shipped over 14.9 million meals, more than 13.9 million liters of water, 157 generators and more than 505,000 tarps to the region.

As response and recovery efforts continue in the Southeast, FEMA is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Milton, which has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. FEMA has the resources and capacity to address multiple disasters simultaneously and is fully prepared to support affected communities wherever and whenever needed. Preparedness efforts are underway and FEMA stands ready to respond to any potential impacts on communities in the storm’s path while also prioritizing search and rescue, response and recovery efforts in in the affected areas.

Disaster survivors can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated areas should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies.

Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Helene.

There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
• Visit disasterassistance.gov.
• Download and apply using the FEMA App.

Resources

Residents can visit ncdps.gov/helene to get information and additional assistance.

Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.

Hurricane Rumor Response

Rumors about FEMA turning away donations, stopping trucks or vehicles with donations, confiscating and seizing supplies are all false.

Rumor: FEMA will only provide $750 to disaster survivors to support their recovery.

This is false: Serious Needs Assistance is an initial payment of $750 you may receive while FEMA assesses your eligibility for additional funds. This means you will receive an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication, and other emergency supplies.

FEMA Facts

• FEMA provides assistance to survivors regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.
• FEMA cannot seize your property or land. Applying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land.
• FEMA has enough money for immediate response and recovery needs.
• FEMA does not ask for or accept any cash donations or volunteers for disaster response. If you encounter someone claiming to represent FEMA and asking for donations, be careful as that is likely a scam. Government employees will never solicit money.
• FEMA’s disaster response efforts are funded through the Disaster Relief Fund. Funds have not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.
• FEMA is continuing to work with state and local partners in the impacted areas to effectively bring in life-saving resources to the people and communities who need it most.

Help keep yourself, your family, and your community safe by being aware of rumors and scams and sharing official information from trusted sources. Please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-helene/rumor-response.