This assistance applies to individuals and households. FEMA may be able to help residents with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). Residents may also qualify for help with child care, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses.

 

Chatham County residents can apply for FEMA assistance by:

For more information:

 

En Espanol:

 

 

In response to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Savannah Technical College beginning on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. The center will offer in-person assistance for residents seeking support with disaster-related needs and questions. Local state and federal resources will be available in person to ask questions. Residents may also visit to ask questions about their case.

Location:
Savannah Technical College
5717 White Bluff Road
Savannah, GA 31405

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

How the DRC Can Help:

At the DRC, residents can:

• Apply for assistance. You may also Apply for FEMA Assistance online or Apply/Check your status by phone 1-800-621-3362.
• Learn more about disaster assistance programs.
• Learn the status of your FEMA application.
• Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
• Find housing and rental assistance information.
• Get answers to questions or resolve problems.
• Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.

Residents do not need to visit a DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app, or by calling 1-800-621-3362. The telephone line is available daily, and support is offered in multiple languages.

FEMA Assistance Eligibility and Documents Needed:

To be eligible for assistance, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen.
• FEMA must be able to verify the applicant's identity.
• The applicant’s insurance, or other forms of disaster assistance received, cannot meet their disaster caused needs.
• The applicant’s necessary expenses and serious needs are directly caused by a declared disaster.

Before starting a FEMA application or visiting the Disaster Recovery Center, residents will need to have the information below with them.

What is needed for applying:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

Those with homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If the policy does not cover all  disaster expenses, residents may be eligible for federal assistance.

If someone has already applied for FEMA assistance and is seeking information or guidance, they should bring:

• Proof of their full name, date of birth and current address (a current driver’s license or utility bill will also work)
• FEMA registration number.
• Insurance documents. Provide documents from homeowners’ insurance company showing that the coverage or settlement is insufficient to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents. FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits but may approve assistance if the property is uninsured or under-insured.
• Provide documents proving the damaged home or rental was your primary residence, such as utility bills, driver’s license or lease.
• Provide documents such as mortgage, tax receipts or a deed. Residents can obtain a copy of their deed at the county offices in which the property is located.

For those visiting the DRC in person, please bring all necessary documentation to help streamline the application process.

For more information on eligibility requirements, visit fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/eligibility.

To find additional DRC locations, use the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Locator: DRC Locator.

 

 

 

Disaster Distress Hotline

Do you need someone to talk to? Call: 1-800-985-5990

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Savannah Entrepreneurial Center
801 E. Gwinnett St.
Monday - Friday from 8am-5pm

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Call:1-877-709-8185

If Debby or Helene caused you to lose your job, business, or affected your ability to work, you might qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance