Post Disaster Assistance

FEMA & HARRIS COUNTY Disaster Relief Resources 

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FEMA

https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-harvey
https://www.fema.gov/apply-assistance
https://www.fema.gov/states/texas

Harris County

http://www.readyharris.org/
http://harrisrecovery.org/

Guide to Disaster Assistance Services for Immigrant Houstonians
http://www.houstontx.gov/na/Harvey-Resource-Guide.pdf

Filing Insurance Claims/FEMA Assistance

There is a new law taking effect September 1, 2017 that will effect filing insurance claims in Texas. It is recommended that you file damage claims as soon as you find damage on your properties.

Info on law effecting insurance claims

Learn more at: New Texas law means Harvey victims have good reason to file claims by Friday:

https://www.texastribune.org/2017/08/28/harvey-insurance-claims/

FEMA Filing Instructions

Instructions from FEMA representative:

– First, file insurance claims through homeowner/renter insurance company.
– Register with FEMA by contacting Federal Disaster Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ OR Call (800) 621-3362
– If you lost income because you cannot go to work Call FEMA (number above) and register for disaster employment
– If your vehicle was flooded in the storm AND have minimum liability coverage on your vehicle at the time of the disaster you can register your car title through FEMA. If you have full coverage contact your car insurance company first.
– If you’re under mandatory evacuation, call FEMA and register. You can get up to two months of rental assistance at fair market value in your area.

 

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Disaster Assistance

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Resource aids individuals with various need. Following a disaster they can assistance specifically with unemployment relief benefits on a temporary basis. In order to qualify your employment or business was disrupted or discontinued due to a disaster.

https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

– DisasterAssistance.gov Disaster Unemployment Assistance (877) 872-5627
– Texas Workforce Commission Disaster Unemployment Assistance (800) 628-5115

Disaster Distress Hotline

Connect with a trained crisis counselor at (800) 985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

Texas Department of Insurance

Call for help with insurance concerns before and after storms. You can locate local agents in your area, file complaints, and report suspected insurance fraud.

– File a personal claim to the Texas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Hotline 1-800-252-3439.

Texas Department of Public Safety

DPS will provide a no-cost replacement DL or ID card for residents in the impacted counties, provided they had previously been issued a Texas DL or ID card. Customers living in the affected counties are encouraged to bring whatever identity and residency documentation they have in their possession. (Replacement identification would normally cost $11.)

Eligible cardholders will need to visit a driver license office in person to obtain a free Texas DL or ID replacement. To find a driver license office near you, please visit http://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/driver_licensing_control/rolodex/search.asp. Since DPS driver license offices have been impacted by flooding as well, please check the website prior to coming to an office to ensure it is open.

Texas Health and Human Services

Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) https://www.legacycommunityhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hurricane-harvey-faq.pdf

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP): https://hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/disaster-assistance/disaster-snap

For providers: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/provider-information/hurricane-harvey-information-providers

For the general public: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/disaster-assistance

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United Way“211” Help Centers

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211 System operates throughout Texas – so if Houston or surrounding areas phone service goes out, 211 rolls over and can be answered by another City hub, with access to their Disaster database and information. United Way can help locate services needed near your zip code. Resource information includes: emergency shelters, transportation, medical, behavioral health, and much more.

– United Way Helpline “211” gets you to the nearest United Way, available 24/7
– United Way of Greater Houston (Harris County) 713-957-HELP (4357)
– United Way Fort Bend Service Center 281-207-2300
– Montgomery County United Way 281-292-4155
– Waller County United Way 281-822-4200

 

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The American Red Cross

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http://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast

Emergency assistance includes fixed/mobile feeding stations, shelter, cleaning supplies, comfort kits, first aid, blood, clothing, emergency transportation, rent, home repairs, household items, and medical supplies. American Red Cross – Texas Gulf Coast website provides a map of current emergency shelter locations near your zip code.

The Salvation Army – Houston Area Command

(713) 752-0677

Emergency assistance includes fixed/mobile feeding stations, shelter, and grief counseling. For long-term efforts, Salvation Army assists individuals with housing, homeless, addiction, and veteran services.

Safe and Well website

Let friends and family know you’re safe, or search for loves ones. https://safeandwell.communityos.org/zf/safe/add

Unemployment Benefits

Applications for DUA must be submitted by September 27, 2017.

Disaster Assistance
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
– Resource aids individuals with various need. Following a disaster they can assistance specifically with unemployment relief benefits on a temporary basis. In order to qualify your employment or business was disrupted or discontinued due to a disaster.
– Disaster Unemployment Assistance: 1(877) 872-5627
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4466?s=0&id=D05

Texas Workforce Commission
1 (800) 939-6631
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services
– Apply online – need to create a login username and password
– Lost employment or lost wages due to disaster.

 

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Behavioral health

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Natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey can lead to significant stress and anxiety. Many of us will experience a wide range of emotions, whether we’re directly impacted by the loss of a loved one or a home, or indirectly by experiencing such a tragedy hitting our great city. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Shock, sadness, grief, anger, and helplessness are all perfectly normal. What’s important is to talk about how we feel with our family, friends, and support networks. If you continue to experience these symptoms, even after order has been restored, or if these feelings begin to overwhelm you, seek the advice of a behavioral health clinician in your community.

Here are some resources to help you cope with disaster and tragedy:

Legacy Community Health – Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Behavioral Health Services: https://www.legacycommunityhealth.org/services/behavioral-health/

American Psychiatric Association – Coping after a disaster (this link includes common reactions and tips for children and adults): https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/coping-after-disaster-trauma

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (includes Facts for Families fact sheets and Frequently Asked Questions about disasters): http://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Disaster_Resource_Center/Home.aspx

When terrible things happen. What you may experience: http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/pfa/english/appendix_e3_when_terrible_things_happen.pdf

Alcohol, medication, and drug use after a disaster: http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/pfa/english/appendix_e90_tips_for_substance_use.pdf

What You Should Know About Floods & Impact on Children and Families: http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/natural-disasters/floods

What You Should Know About Hurricanes & Impact on Children and Families: http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/natural-disasters/hurricanes

National Center for PTSD – Effects of Disasters: Risk and Resilience Factors:  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/types/disasters/effects_of_disasters_risk_and_resilience_factors.asp

National Center for PTSD – Mental Health Effects following Disaster: Risk and Resilience Factors: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/effects-disasters-mental-health.asp

Mercy Corps and DePelchin Children’s Center – My Hurricane Story – A children’s workbook to help them understand their hurricane experience https://www.mercycorps.org/my-hurricane-story

 

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Home & Cleanup Resources

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Crisis Cleanup Assistance

Hotlines go live Sat., Aug. 26, 2017 and will stay open through Sept. 15th (may be extended)

– Texas hotline is 844-965-1386
– Louisiana hotline is 800-451-1954.

People can call this number to register for help cleaning up their homes or property. This is the ONLY reason to call this # and assistance may take days to weeks and is NOT guaranteed. The service will be provided by civic and community agencies and volunteer relief efforts. It is to clean up debris relating to the storm (for example – ruined furniture, wet drywall) but does not include repairs or replacement.

Harris County Residential Debris and Damage Assessment Hotline

The Harris County Residential Debris and Damage Assessment Hotline staff is available to help residents answer questions about the following list of services at (713) 274-3880:

– Debris separation and removal from public roads and residential subdivisions.
– Residential/Commercial Permits for repairing or replacing a damaged structure.
– Phone numbers for other general recovery resources related to other basic needs.

The major goal of the Harris County Residential Debris and Damage Assessment Hotline is to ensure that public roads and other infrastructure do not pose an immediate threat to public safety. Harris County Residential Debris and Damage Assessment teams are currently working to conduct safety and damage assessments, while clearing debris from public roads in areas where flood waters have receded.

 

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Shelters & Housing

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Emergency Shelters

Please contact American Red Cross via phone/website to confirm availability: https://www.uber.com/blog/austin/hurricane-harvey-relief-efforts/

Harris County – Central-West-South

– George R. Brown Convention Center (downtown) – 1001 Avenida de las Americas Houston, TX 77010

– Third Ward Multi-Service Center (Third Ward-central) – 3611 Ennis St. Houston, TX 77004
– Forge for Families – 3435 Dixie Dr. Houston, TX 77021
– Sunnyside Multi-Service Center (south) – 9314 Cullen Blvd. Houston, TX 77033
– West End Multi-Service Center (west) – 170 Heights Blvd. Houston, TX 77007
– Golden Acres Baptist Church – 2813 Pansy St. Houston, TX
– Frank Dodie High School – 10220 Blackhawk Blvd. Houston, TX
– Sugar Land First United Methodist Church – 431 Eldridge Houston TX 77478

Harris County – East

– Pasadena High School – 206 South Shaver Pasadena, TX
– Channelview High School – 1100 Sheldon Rd. Channelview, TX 77530
– First Baptist Highlands – 210 North Magnolia St. Higlands, TX 77562
– Sterling Wood Church – 4910 East Sam Houston Parkway Houston, TX 77015
– North Shore Ninth Grade Campus – 13501 Hollypark Dr. Houston, TX 77015
– First Baptist Church of Jacinto City – 10707 Wiggins Houston, TX 77029
– The American Legion Hall – 14890 FM 2100 Crosby Tx 77532
– ColdSpring – Oakhurst Consolidated Jones Educational – Complex 125 FM 1514 Coldspring Tx 77331

Harris County – North

– MO Campbell Center – 1865 Aldine Bender Rd. Houston, TX
– Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Community (Northwest) – 10135 West Rd. Houston, TX 77064
– Klien ISD Multipurpose Center – 7500 FM 2920,Klein, TX 77379
– The MET Church – 13000 Jones Road Houston Tx 77070
– The Pathways Church – 20802 Rhodes Rd Spring 77388

Baytown

– Memorial Baptist Church – 611 West Sterling Baytown, TX 77520
– Baytown Community Center – 2407 Market St. Baytown, TX 77520

Dickinson Area

– Living Stones Church – 1407 Victory Ln. Alvin, TX 77511
– Bay Harbor Methodist – 3459 Deke Slayton Expressway Houston, TX 77573
– Sander’s Community Center – 501 4^th Ave. North Texas City, TX 77590
– Fritz Barnett Intermediate School – 4135 Warpath Ave. Santa Fe, TX 77510
– Vicotria Lakes Intermediate School – 2880 West Walker St. League City, TX 77537
– Hometown Heroes Park – 1001 East League City Parkway, League City, TX 77573
– Friendswood High School – 702 Greenbriar Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546

Fort-Bend

– Thurgood Marshall High School – 1220 Buffalo Run Missouri City, TX 77489

Emergency Shelters for People who are Homeless

Provided by: Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County

The following shelter partners are offering immediate emergency shelter to any homeless individuals or families seeking a safe, dry place to ride out the storm:
– Star of Hope Men’s Development Center – 1811 Ruiz, Houston, TX 77002
– Salvation Army Harbor Light Center – 2407 North Main, Houston, TX 77009
– Salvation Army Sally’s House – 1717 Congress, Houston, TX 77002
– Salvation Army Family Residence – 1603 McGowen, Houston, TX 77004
– Salvation Army Conroe Corps Community Center – 304 Avenue E, Conroe, TX 77301

Alternative Accommodations

Airbnb offering free accommodations for Hurricane Harvey evacuees
Airbnb is connecting Hurricane Harvey evacuees – as well as relief workers and volunteers – with short-term lodging with Airbnb hosts free of charge. Airbnb started the Disaster Response Program in 2012 in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The program has been activated in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and surrounding areas to help Texans evacuated ahead of Hurricane Harvey through Sept. 1.

“Today, Airbnb activated our Disaster Response Program to assist residents in Texas evacuating coastal areas ahead of Hurricane Harvey,” said Kellie Bentz, Airbnb Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief. “We encourage hosts in safe, inland areas to aid in this effort by listing their available rooms or homes on the platform to help the growing number of evacuees. Our thoughts continue to be with everyone in the path of the storm, and we thank the dedicated government and emergency response personnel who are keeping our communities’ safe.”

Airbnb hosts in the designated areas can offer their property to evacuees, or those in need of a place to stay, free of charge by clicking here. Anyone looking for a place to stay should click here.

https://www.airbnb.com/disaster/hurricaneharveyevacuees

 

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Legal Help

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State Bar of Texas Disaster Legal Hotline
(800) 504-7030 or www.Texasbar.com/Disasters

Texas Bar
(800) 504-7030
https://texasbar.com/Content/NavigationMenu/ForThePublic/DisasterReliefResources1/default.htm

helps people find answers to basic legal questions and connects them with local legal aid providers following declared disasters. The toll-free hotline — answered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese— is designed to connect low-income people affected by a disaster with legal aid providers in their area who can help with such issues as replacing lost documents, insurance questions, landlord-tenant problems, and consumer protection issues such as price-gouging and avoiding contractor scams in the rebuilding process. Callers can leave a message any time. People who qualify for assistance will be matched with Texas lawyers who have volunteered to provide free, limited legal help.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers
(713) 228-0732
https://www.makejusticehappen.org/Harvey

Houston Bar Association
(713) 759-1133
– Mon-Fri, Sept. 5th – 29th, 3 to 5 pm
– 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 5 to 9 pm
– 1st Thursday, 5 to 9 pm
https://www.hba.org/

 

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Pets

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The SPCA of Texas provides a compressive list of disaster relief services available to evacuees and their four legged family members.
https://www.spca.org/blog?ncs7040=0