PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR HOUSES OF WORSHIP
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/public-assistance-houses-worship-2] 

Release Date: 
oct 6, 2022 

Florida houses of worship and other private nonprofit organizations
may be eligible for FEMA assistance to help pay for emergency
protective measures, debris removal and restoration of facilities
damaged by Hurricane Ian.

Houses of Worship are considered private nonprofit organizations that
provide a noncritical, essential social service, such as community and
senior citizen centers. This category of nonprofits must go through
the loan application process with the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance program before FEMA can
determine eligibility for its Public Assistance program. SBA’s
low-interest disaster loans provide up to $2 million for damaged
repair or replacement of hurricane-damaged property, including
furniture, fixtures, and other essential contents.

Houses of worship are not required to take out a loan, but FEMA will
not fund repairs unless an SBA loan application has been denied or
does not fully cover the permanent work costs.

Houses of worship should contact their county emergency management
office for more information on how to submit a FEMA Request for Public
Assistance.