* Last Updated February 22, 2021.
As we continue to recover from the winter storm that ravaged Texas last week, we will be sharing resources from our partners, communities, and friends. Please send this to anyone you think might need these. We will do our best to keep these well updated and relevant throughout the week.
Resources for FEMA/TRLA/DISASTER LEGAL
FEMA:
- Current list of counties approved for induvial assistance is here:
- https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4586
- Folks apply online here:
- https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Due to the pandemic, FEMA will likely be remote. This has been very different than in past and our partners around the U.S. have seen clients face many new issues accordingly. Folks will likely apply and submit all documents online or via electronic means. There will likely be no DRCs. Inspections will likely be remote via phone. We are unsure how it will look this time.
Attached some tips regarding applying for FEMA here. Also have attached some flyers about FEMA during pandemics and remote inspections. We are translating now and I will send updated versions when ready.
TRLA/Disaster legal:
- TRLA has a long list of one-pagers with basic legal advice about disasters in English and Spanish here:
- https://www.trla.org/disaster-legal-aid#disasterresources
Folks will have basic needs but then often legal needs. Feel free to share far and wide. Typically we see issues with landlords and consumer matters first. Then things such as FEMA claims help, insurance issues, title issues, employment issues, etc.
People can apply with TRLA for help at: 1-888-988-9996
INSURANCE:
General Tips for everyone
- Document everything
- Make a claim ASAP
- Many insurance packages have a food replacement clause- don’t have to meet deductible- where insurance pays to replace food
- Try to avoid making repairs (other than immediate health and safety concerns) until the adjuster comes. If you have to make repairs keep estimate/receipt/photos/video. Keep a piece of wall that shows the waterline where water flooded into your house (here from the pipes). Keep the broken pipe. If tear out carpet or floor same some for a sample of damage. See our flyers for more information.
REPORT YOUR DAMAGE/TELL CLIENTS THE SAME!
- The Texas Department of Emergency Management has a survey where they are tracking homes with major damage. It takes maybe 5-10 mins. Please take it if you had damage and spread the word. These surveys often tie to funds/grants and getting help and future infrastructure change. The survey is here:
- https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/eb1ab4928205490182896d86783447d3
FLYERS:
Resources regarding SNAP benefits
Immigrant Disaster Resource Guide – A Live List of Resources for Immigrant Advocates in Greater Houston
Mutual Aid Funds
POWER UP TEXAS FUND – DONATE NOW
Working families in Texas have been slammed by yet another crisis as the state is paralyzed by record-breaking cold and winter conditions and a failure by state leadership to invest in the infrastructure Texas needs.