Natural disasters can leave families and communities reeling, but recovery is not only possible—it can pave the way to a stronger, more resilient future. At RenoEra, we’re committed to supporting you through the rebuilding process. This comprehensive guide outlines resources available to help you recover from federally declared disasters. Plus, we’re offering a special 35% off sitewide with the promo code STRONGER2025 to make your recovery journey even more affordable.
In 2024, President Biden approved several major disaster declarations across the United States. Declarations can be made for severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, landslides, mudslides, fires, wildfires, straight-line winds, hurricanes, tropical storms/cyclones, and earthquakes. Homes, businesses, and people impacted by the disaster have funding, resources, and incentives available to help them rebuild. To access federal aid, two things must occur: 1) The President must declare a major disaster, and 2) the geographical disaster area is defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In a major disaster, assistance may only be available to counties contiguous to the disaster area.
The state Governor, Mayors, county executives, and city councils can also declare a local disaster or emergency. Local and state declarations enable immediate response and resource allocation. Their declaration enables state and local entities to mobilize resources, expedite aid, and access state-level disaster response systems. The scope and resources available for state, city, and county declarations differ from federal declarations. To access federal FEMA resources, Small Business Administration Loans, Housing Assistance, and Public Infrastructure Assistance the state’s Governor must request federal assistance through FEMA and the President must approve the federal disaster declaration under the Stafford Act.
The federal government provides disaster information and assistance to help homes and businesses impacted by declared disasters and emergencies by state, incident type, and/or year. To apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid go online, call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or visit one of the Disaster Recovery Centers. Those impacted may be eligible for $750 direct payment for immediate essentials. Access up to $43,600 FEMA aid for rental assistance, lodging, and home repair expenses (not covered by insurance) to an applicant’s primary residence. Reimbursements to replace or repair personal property, pay for child care and medical bills are also available up to a maximum of $43,600 (including the initial $750 direct payment).
Local communities within a Presidential Disaster Declaration that have an approved hazard mitigation plan may be eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). This program provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. An individual cannot apply directly for HMGP funding, you will need to work with your local community. The funds are used to rebuild and mitigate future disaster losses in their community.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to help businesses, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations recover from declared disasters. These loans can be used for losses and business operating expenses not covered by insurance or FEMA funding. For more information and to apply, call 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Homeowners in a presidentially declared disaster area may be eligible for mortgage assistance or financial help to repair or rebuild your home. Homeowners with Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans can qualify for additional help.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to help cities, countries, and states to recover from Presidentially declared disasters. The funds can be used for housing restoration and rebuilding, infrastructure improvements, economic revitalization, and disaster resilience measures. The funds are flexible and designed to address unmet recovery needs, particularly in low and moderate-income areas,
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides mortgage assistance and disaster relief programs to homeowners and rural communities affected by federally declared disasters. These programs aim to help individuals repair, rebuild, or recover from damages to their homes and properties. The assistance focuses on homeowners with loans through its Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program or Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program. Contact your local service center for details.
The Internal Revenue System provides tax relief provision for taxpayers affected by disaster situations. You don’t have to be located in a federally declared disaster area to be considered an “affected taxpayer.” An affected taxpayer includes an individual, any business entity or sole proprietor, and any shareholder in an S Corporation. If your tax preparer is in the federally declared disaster area and is unable to file or pay on your behalf you may qualify for relief.
After natural disasters, the American Red Cross sends emergency response vehicles into neighborhoods to provide food, relief items, and health services. They will also send personalized emails and text messages to eligible households regarding damage-based emergency financial assistance. Receivers should follow the instructions provided in the message and if a link is provided be sure to take notes, screenshots, or pictures as the link can only be used once. The American Red Cross’s financial assistance program was available through December 20, 2024 for Hurricanes Helen or Milton. The Red Cross communicated directly to affected households. If you received an email or text message and have questions, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you were not contacted you can enter your zip code in the Red Cross Resource Directory to find free and reduced cost services in your community.
Areas impacted by a federal disaster declaration may also be eligible for aid from state and local governments and nonprofits. Some aid is continuous where others are disaster-specific. In Texas there is the Rebuild Texas Fund. Louisiana had Restore Louisiana. Florida has Florida Assist and Hometown Heroes Program Florida. Check the federal website for an up-to-date compilation of local resources.
Recovering from a disaster doesn’t have to be impossible. RenoEra is here to make the process clear, cost-effective, and empowering. Visit RenoEra today and use promo code STRONGER2025 to save 35%. Together we can turn setbacks into comebacks.
