Deadline Approaching to File for FEMA Flood Assistance

Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the Aug. 11-13 flooding are invited to an informational meeting about the federal resources available to them at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.

The meeting will be in Club Room One at The Center.

The deadline for flood victims to apply for federal assistance is Nov. 24.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will explain how to apply for federal grants and loans, and the benefits to following through with both agencies.

Federal assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest rate loans to cover uninsured/underinsured property losses and other programs to recover from the effects of the flooding.

The SBA Disaster Loan program is an important step in the recovery process and is available to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes.

It is important for those affected by the flooding of Aug. 11-13 to complete their applications to FEMA and/or the SBA before the Nov. 24 deadline.

Should applicants find they are denied for one program, they could be referred to another program. However, all applications must be filed by the Nov. 24 deadline.

As of early November, the SBA has approved more than $54 million for homeowners, renters and businesses in Michigan.

Flood victims can visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov to register for assistance or call 1-800-621-3362.

There is no requirement that flood victims attend the Nov. 13 meeting in order to apply for assistance. However, they may find it helpful to learn directly from FEMA and SBA representatives about the resources designed to help them.