News and Media: Disaster 4728

As of Monday, Sept. 11, FEMA assistance to residents of Cook County affected by the June 29 – July 2 flooding and storms topped $109 million. This grant funding, combined with $16.5 million in affordable, low-interest, long-term disaster loans provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), adds up to more than $125 million in total federal assistance to individuals in Cook County.

FEMA Individual Assistance helps disaster survivors begin recovery by providing grants for basic, critical needs. Answers to questions about the federal assistance process can be found below. 

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open on Thursday, Sept. 7 in the Pullman area to help residents in nearby Chatham, Avalon Park and surrounding communities in the city of Chicago’s South Side kickstart their recovery after the June 29 – July 2 storms and flooding.

After you apply for FEMA assistance, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If you are asked to submit an SBA disaster loan application, there are benefits to filling it out and sending it in right away. If approved, you are not obligated to accept the SBA loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA grants to pay for disaster-related car repairs or replacement, essential household items and other expenses.

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open in Chicago on Thursday, Aug. 31 at the Garfield Community Service Center to help residents kickstart their recovery after the June 29 – July 2 storms and flooding.