HOUSTON – For the second year in a row, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says its Disaster Fund has run out of money.
FEMA’s administrator stated that the agency will now focus on providing funds solely to those with immediate needs.
The agency is currently awaiting Congress to approve a $9 billion supplemental request to replenish the disaster fund. However, with Congress in recess until the end of August, the approval process is delayed.
In Houston, many residents affected by Hurricane Beryl have been waiting over a month for their recovery checks.
KPRC 2 meteorologist Brittany Begley recently highlighted the Sanchez family from New Caney, whose home was damaged by a fallen tree.
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One month later, that tree is still there.
Following our report, FEMA representatives contacted the family and promised to expedite their request.
KPRC 2 reporter Bill Barajas was also out in the community and introduced us to Carrie Stowell, a Spring Branch resident.
Stowell said she went to a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center and was approved for emergency assistance. Three weeks later, she’s still waiting on that money.
“How’d it go?” Barajas questioned. “Not the answers I was wanting but information,” Stowell said. “So they told me this facility is actually closing tomorrow so they have already sent off all of the Texas reps to all the other FEMA centers. She confirmed that my file had gone to the state of Texas but said beyond that, they don’t have any information.”
“No date on when you might receive the funds?” Barajas asked.
“They said once it goes to Texas they don’t have any visibility,” Stowell replied.
Initially, FEMA estimated a 10-day turnaround for dispersing aid, but the process has extended beyond that timeframe.
Despite these delays, the agency has distributed over $450 million to Houston residents since Hurricane Beryl.
Residents still experiencing issues with FEMA are encouraged to contact their district’s state representative.
The deadline to apply for Disaster Assistance from FEMA is August 15.