This holiday season, as Louisiana homeowners and renters continue to receive disaster funds, FEMA wants to remind you that federal grant money may only be used for disaster-related expenses.

Receiving Grant Money
Once an application is complete, it only takes FEMA a few days to deposit the money into the bank account you provided. It will appear in your account under a banking code that may not say the word FEMA. You will also receive a letter or email telling you the amount you are receiving and explaining how you can spend the money.

Spend Grants Wisely
Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses. Some examples of allowed expenses include:
▪ Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems)
▪ Rental assistance for rent and/or deposit
▪ Repair or replacement of an essential vehicle
▪ Medical or dental care for an uninsured injury caused by the disaster
▪ Necessary educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
▪ Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster
▪ Replacement of essential personal property such as appliances or a bed from an occupied bedroom
▪ Increased childcare expenses

Risks of Not Using Money as Intended
Read your determination letter carefully. You will need to keep receipts for all expenses for at least three years, as disaster funding may be subject to review. If you have spent the payment on anything other than its intended purpose, you may be denied disaster assistance in the future. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the money be
returned.

Keep in touch with FEMA
Be sure FEMA has your most up-to-date contact information, including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, survivors may miss letters or phone calls about their application for assistance or payment status.

For any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

Hurricane Ida survivors who have applied with FEMA for disaster assistance may be
considered for FEMA’s direct temporary housing.

There is no need to apply more than once, and no additional application is required to be considered for housing.
Once a survivor has applied, FEMA will call eligible applicants whose homes were destroyed or are unlivable to
discuss housing needs and to determine the next steps.

Survivors who have not applied for disaster assistance previously can do so online, by phone or at a Disaster
Recovery Center.

▪ Visit http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA Mobile App
▪ Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585)
▪ Find a DRC closest you at http://www.FEMA.gov/DRC

Those who use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA
the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available.

FEMA has approved direct temporary housing assistance for 10 parishes: Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston,
Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne. This program
makes several direct temporary housing options available to eligible Louisiana survivors.
Implementing FEMA’s direct temporary housing program may take months to complete. Site and floodplain
assessments, utility installation and construction, among other things, are required before the units can be
available.

Louisiana’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program

Louisiana’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program is a state-managed program, which may offer an interim solution
towards Ida survivors’ recovery. The state’s program provides temporary non-congregate sheltering for individuals
and families.

The program focuses on homeowners and renters in the hardest-hit parishes whose homes are unlivable or
destroyed due to disaster damage. Louisiana residents can register for the state program by visiting
Idashelteringla.com or calling (844) 268-0301. A resident is not required to apply for FEMA assistance, but it is
highly recommended.

For the latest information on Hurricane Ida visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow us on Twitter at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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BATON ROUGE, La. – As Louisiana continues to recover from Hurricane Ida, FEMA encourages survivors to apply for
disaster assistance before it’s too late. The deadline to apply is Monday, Nov. 29.

Many times, homeowners don’t apply because they believe the damage to their home is insufficient, but later
discover hidden disaster-related damage. Survivors whose homes were damaged or who lost personal property
during Hurricane Ida must apply before Nov. 29 to participate in FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.

FEMA has several Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located throughout the state. However, you do not have to visit
a DRC in person to apply with FEMA. The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:
▪ Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
▪ By phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use a relay service such as video relay service
(VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
▪ Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

DRCs are staffed by representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and sometimes other
federal and local agencies and non-governmental resources. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit
http://www.FEMA.gov/DRC. All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for both FEMA specialists and
survivors.

Anyone requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille, large print, etc.) may call 800-621-3362 to
request assistance in advance or ask the recovery staff at the center for assistance.

For the latest information on Hurricane Ida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account
at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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FEMA Fact Sheet: Oct. 14, 2021
DR-4611-LA FS 027
October 2021

Financial assistance for reburials may be available to Louisiana survivors after Hurricane
Ida caused damage to cemeteries.

Who is Eligible and What is Covered?

Survivors may be eligible for reburial assistance from FEMA, if:
o The damage to the grave site or above-ground vault occurred as a result of Hurricane Ida.
o The damage took place in one of the 25 designated parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge,
East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St.
Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany,
Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.
o The grave or vault was in a privately owned, licensed cemetery or burial facility and the reburial costs are the
legal responsibility of an individual and not the cemetery.

Assistance for reburial may include:

o Transfer of remains, including locating, gathering, and identifying displaced caskets
o Caskets, containers, vaults, or urns that were damaged
o Burial plot
o Markers or headstones that were damaged due to unearthed remains
o Necessary costs related to identifying remains
o Gravesite – necessary work to rebury
Individual Assistance vs Public Assistance; Private and Public Cemeteries
FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program is available for survivors whose relatives were laid to rest in either publicly
or privately owned cemeteries. FEMA recommends this as the best approach for survivors who need help with
reburials.

▪ A public cemetery is defined as a facility that is owned and operated by an eligible government entity.
Abandoned private cemeteries may be considered public if a government entity assumes permanent legal
responsibility for the cemetery, including its operation and maintenance.
While publicly-owned cemeteries can be reimbursed through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program, this alternative
is only available when no family member can be found who could claim responsibility for the deceased.

PA assistance for publicly owned cemeteries is limited to reducing immediate threats to public safety.
For More Information or to Apply for Assistance

For additional information on reburial assistance in publicly owned cemeteries, contact the Louisiana Statewide
Cemetery Response Task Force at 225-326-6056 or via email at cemeterytaskforce@ag.louisiana.gov.

The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting Disasterassistance.gov.

▪ If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines
operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS),
captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers have opened in several hurricane-affected parishes. Check the FEMA App or
visit the FEMA DRC Locator to find a location near you and the hours of operation.
For the latest information on Hurricane Ida visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow us on Twitter at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
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FEMA Fact Sheet: October 15, 2021
DR-4611-LA FS 028
October 2021

If you applied with FEMA and you cannot live in your home because of damage caused by
Hurricane Ida, a FEMA inspector will contact you to set up either a remote or in-person,
exterior-only home inspection.

FEMA home inspections help determine whether a home is safe, sanitary and livable. To determine whether an
an applicant is eligible for assistance, FEMA considers the home’s interior and exterior structural soundness; whether
the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems are functional; and whether the home is livable and
can be entered and exited safely.

At times there can be language or other barriers to completing the inspection. If you need accommodations for
language or a disability, call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) in advance of the inspection and let FEMA know
your needs.

The first step for a home inspection starts with a phone call, text message or email from a FEMA inspector to the
applicant to schedule an appointment for an inspection. More than likely, the phone call to schedule an inspection
will be from out of state. An inspector will attempt to make contact with the survivor up to three times over three
different days. If inspectors cannot reach the applicant after the three attempts, their case will be closed until the
applicant contacts FEMA again.

There are two ways your home may be inspected:

1. Remote inspection: FEMA calls you and schedules a phone/remote/virtual inspection. This inspection is done
entirely over the phone. Most often, the survivor answers questions that will help detail the extent of their
damage.

2. In-person, exterior-only inspection: FEMA calls you to schedule a time for an inspector to visit your home. Taking
COVID-19 protocols into consideration, the inspector will not enter the building, just the property, and will inspect
from outside.

o The inspector who arrives for the appointment will have an official FEMA badge. If you don’t see an I.D.
badge, ask to see their FEMA identification before proceeding. The inspector will ask you for a photo ID to
confirm you are the applicant.

The inspection process, remote or in-person, usually takes 30 to 40 minutes. If you were able to take photos or
video of interior or exterior damage to the home, show them to the inspector.
Survivors who are unable to meet with the FEMA inspector for an in-person inspection or are unable to complete a
remote inspection themselves with an inspector can have a friend or relative act on their behalf to meet with the inspector.

But first, they must submit to FEMA a written and signed request for third-party, which is a legal document,
authorizing another person who is at least 18 years of age to meet with the inspector and to provide and receive
information from FEMA on their behalf.

What Else You Need to Know

 The inspector will not be collecting any documentation and will never ask for personal information like a Social
Security number.

▪ FEMA never charges for an inspection.

▪ If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have
been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application; if so, please inform the inspector that you did
not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop all further processing on the application.

 A fraudulent application could be a sign of identity theft. For information on what to do if you suspect identity
theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov. For Spanish, Robo de Identidad
| FTC Información para consumidores or RobodeIdentidad.gov.

▪ If you wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your
knowledge, the FEMA Helpline will need to assist you in creating a new application. Call 800-621-3362.
For more information on Hurricane Ida recovery in Louisiana, visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow us on Twitter at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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BATON ROUGE, La. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is announcing the latest mobile locations for its Blue Roofprogram sign-up as of Oct. 6.

The three Mobile Communication Vehicles will be in place from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily to assist residents with
Hurricane Ida structural roof damage to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency assigned USACE
managed Blue Roof program.

Location in Tangipahoa Parish:
– Hammond Library/FEMA DRC, 314 E Thomas St., Hammond, LA 70401 (Oct. 4-6)

Location in St. Charles Parish:
– Alan Artebury Building/FEMA DRC, 14564 River Road, New Sarpey, LA 70078 (Oct. 4-6)

NEW Location in St. Helena Parish:
– UPDATED: Fifth Ward Recreation District, 31676 Highway 16 Amite City, LA 70422 (Oct. 7-8)

Location in Livingston Parish:
– Carters Supermarket, 31459 LA-22, Springfield, LA 70462 (Oct. 9-10)

Location in St. John the Baptist Parish:
– Juan Anthony Joseph Memorial Park, 3445 Hwy. 18, Edgard, LA 70049 (Oct. 8-10)

Locations in Lafourche Parish:
– Walmart Neighborhood Market, 224 W. Main St., Thibodaux, LA 70301 (Oct. 5-7)
– Walmart Supercenter #502, 16759 Hwy. 3235, Galliano, LA 70345 (Oct. 7-9)

Note: Locations are subject to change.

USACE aims to provide homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until
permanent repairs are made through the Operation Blue Roof program. This program is a free service to homeowners
and protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering
from a storm. The deadline to apply for this service is Oct. 15.

This program is for primary residences or a permanently occupied rental property with less than 50 percent structural
damage. Vacation rental properties are not eligible for this program. Flat roofs or roofs made of clay, slate or asbestos
tile do not qualify. All storm debris must be removed for the roof to qualify.

Homeowners can visit Blueroof.us to apply. Here, homeowners can sign up for Blue Roof assistance using a Right of
Entry form, which gathers information about your residence. The ROE form is a legal document that allows USACE
workers to access your property and assess your home’s damage. The ROE also allows contracted crews to work on your
roof. To cancel your ROE, residents must send an email to roe-cancel@usace.army.mil, call 888-Roof BLU (888-766-
3258) or visit Blueroof.us

Residents can call toll free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information regarding this program.

Social Media Facebook Twitter
USACE Headquarters https://www.facebook.com/USACEHQ https://twitter.com/USACEHQ
USACE Mississippi Valley Division https://www.facebook.com/mississippivalleydivision https://twitter.com/MVD_USACE
USACE New Orleans District https://www.facebook.com/usacenola/ https://twitter.com/TeamNewOrleans
USACE Memphis https://www.facebook.com/MemphisUSACE/ https://twitter.com/MemphisDistrict

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BATON ROUGE, La. – A Disaster Recovery Center is now open in Luling in St. Charles Parish, at the Edward Dufresne
Community Center.

Survivors can get assistance with their FEMA applications, upload documents and get questions answered about
federal disaster assistance. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also on hand to
provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private
nonprofits, homeowners and renters.

The center is located at:
Edward Dufresne Community Center (parking lot)
274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway
Luling, LA 70070
Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the FEMA
DRC Locator for a complete list of DRCs currently open in Louisiana. All centers will follow COVID-19 precautions.

Masks will be required by both FEMA specialists and survivors.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

# # #

BATON ROUGE, La. – The temporary disaster recovery center at River Parishes Community College, United Way of St.
Charles Campus, in Boutte, will close Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. The center served survivors of Hurricane Ida for
two weeks.

The following center will close:
River Parishes Community College, United Way of St. Charles Campus
13145 US Hwy 90
Boutte, LA 70039

Residents of all parishes affected by Hurricane Ida can continue to visit a number of other centers open in
Louisiana. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit the FEMA DRC Locator.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

# # #

BATON ROUGE, La. – Hurricane Ida survivors can now get help applying with FEMA at a Disaster Recovery Center
(DRC) located at the John P. Lyons Recreation Center in New Orleans. The DRC is open until 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 9.
Survivors can upload documents and get questions answered about federal disaster assistance. Representatives
from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also on hand to provide program information and explain how
to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters.

The center is located at:
John P. Lyons Recreation Center
624 Louisiana Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70115
Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the FEMA
DRC Locator for a complete list of DRCs currently open in Louisiana. All centers will follow COVID-19 precautions.
Masks will be required by both FEMA specialists and survivors.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

# # #

BATON ROUGE, La. – A Disaster Recovery Center is now open in Amite, in St. Helena Parish, at the Fifth Ward
Recreation District.

Survivors affected by Hurricane Ida can get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and
get questions answered. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also on hand to
provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private
nonprofits, homeowners and renters.

The center is located at:
Fifth Ward Recreation District (parking lot)
31676 LA-16
Amite, LA 70422

Hours of operations are Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the FEMA
DRC Locator for a complete list of DRCs currently open in Louisiana. All centers will follow COVID-19 precautions.
Masks will be required by both FEMA specialists and survivors.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

# # #

FEMA reaches out to survivors and communities after disasters using several tools, teams
and tactics to help during response and recovery operations.

Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA)
Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews go into communities within days, sometimes hours, of a disaster. They
often walk through affected areas or set up in small groups in a neighborhood facility.

They are the eyes and ears – and sometimes the voice – of FEMA when they visit impacted communities. They are
equipped to help residents apply for assistance, even in the toughest conditions. Often, where DSA teams are, a
mobile unit with a Wi-Fi connection is not far behind.

DSA crews primarily focus on addressing the needs of underrepresented populations that may be hard to reach by
traditional channels. Their mission is to assess, and report critical and emerging disaster needs to FEMA leadership
for decision-making purposes. Their duties include:

▪ Providing on-site guidance to survivors about the application process, and an overview of FEMA disaster
assistance.
▪ Reviewing survivors’ applications, providing basic information about application status and other eligible
assistance, and collecting new information or documents for case files.
▪ Engaging disaster survivors and local officials in identifying immediate unmet needs for a quick resolution via
FEMA and/or its partners including voluntary agencies.
▪ Supporting community outreach and partnerships with the local, state, tribal or territorial emergency managers,
disability partners, private sector, voluntary agencies and faith- and community-based organizations to foster a
culture of strengthened alliances to support the delivery of inclusive, equitable services to survivors.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are dedicated, accessible and established locations where specialists from the
Individual Assistance program can help survivors face to face. Highly trained specialists assist survivors through the
recovery process, explaining the types of assistance available through FEMA, such as housing and other needs
assistance.

DRCs are set up to provide communication services, including assistive technology for persons needing sight or
hearing accommodations, American Sign Language or expertise in other languages.
Some of the services offered at a DRC may include:

▪ Applying for assistance
▪ Reviewing application status updates
▪ Clarification of any written correspondence received
▪ Guidance about disaster recovery and eligibility
▪ Collecting and scanning new information or documents needed for case files

Other recovery experts from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state and nonprofit organizations are
typically available in a DRC to address additional needs.

For the latest information on Hurricane Ida visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow us on Twitter at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the state of Louisiana are committed to providing disaster assistance to people with
disabilities and access and functional needs. Assistance is also available for those who communicate in languages
other than English.

Some individuals without a disability may have temporary or long-term conditions where they also need a little extra
help but might not think to ask for it. FEMA offers extra assistance to people such as older adults, individuals who
have difficulty with English, or those who have problems with transportation or finances. Be sure to answer “yes” to
question 24, which asks about functional needs on FEMA’s application to see how we can help.

How to Apply
The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
Survivors can also apply by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:
▪ 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, if available
▪ A general list of damage and losses if you know what they are
▪ Your insurance policy number and the name of your agent or company

Reasonable Accommodations
If you need accommodations or assistance due to a disability, ask FEMA at the time of applying or anytime
throughout the assistance process. Here’s how:
▪ Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service
(VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
▪ FEMA can provide interpreters, real-time captioning, and information in alternate formats such as large- print,
audio, and electronic versions. The agency also provides free services to help survivors communicate with its
staff and understand FEMA programs. Among the aids are:
▪ Information available in accessible electronic formats on FEMA’s website and social media
▪ Qualified American Sign Language interpreters
▪ Qualified multilingual interpreters
▪ Information written in multiple languages

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

# # #

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the State of Louisiana are working hard together to ensure that survivors of
Hurricane Ida living in hard-hit parishes have safe places to stay temporarily while they take steps to recover.
To help address the shortage of sheltering and housing options in Southeast Louisiana, the state is establishing
some temporary solutions, including a non-congregate sheltering program using recreational vehicles, such as travel
trailers. Non-congregate shelters are locations where an individual or family can live safely with some level of
privacy. This program will focus on the most heavily impacted parishes, providing some immediate sheltering
assistance until FEMA’s Direct Housing program is fully underway.

A call center will be opening early next week for residents who are interested in the state-run sheltering option.
Survivors will be able to find the call center number on GetAGamePlan.org once it is established. Public notification
will also be made once the call center is open.

FEMA has approved direct temporary housing assistance for 10 of the most impacted parishes: Jefferson,
Lafourche, Livingston, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa and
Terrebonne. This program makes available several additional short-term housing solutions to Louisiana survivors.
However, options under this program may take months to complete as there is often some level of site and
floodplain assessment, utility installation and construction, among other things, before they are available. This is
why the state’s more immediate temporary sheltering program is such a critical bridge to recovery.

The Direct Housing program is comprised of three primary options:
▪ Temporary Housing Units such as a travel trailer or manufactured home;
▪ Direct Lease, which is leasing existing ready-for-occupancy housing; and
▪ Multi-Family Lease and Repair, where FEMA enters into a lease agreement with the owner of multi-family rental
properties (i.e., two or more units) and makes repairs in order to provide temporary housing for applicants.

Direct temporary housing is not an immediate solution for a survivor’s interim and longer-term housing needs
because it takes significant time to implement. Additionally, not everyone impacted by Ida will be eligible for direct

housing. Therefore, it is important that partners at all levels – local, state, other federal, nonprofit and private sector
– work together to fill any gaps.

Survivors who have applied with FEMA for assistance do not need to reapply to be eligible for Direct Housing. If a
survivor has not yet applied with FEMA, they can do so by going to DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA
Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

While non-congregate sheltering and Direct Housing solutions are made available to survivors most in need, there
are things affected Louisianans can do to ensure they have a safe place to stay. Survivors should create their own
sheltering and housing plans. Knowing their recovery goals enables survivors to take steps in the right direction to get
there.

FEMA financial help remains the primary means of helping survivors. This aid may include rental assistance, which is
money for eligible survivors to temporarily rent another place to live, such as a house, apartment, hotel or motel
room, or travel trailer while repairs are being made to their primary residences. Many people may also be referred to
one of our partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Survivors eligible for FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program should continue to take advantage of
that assistance until another solution becomes available.

If survivors need immediate housing, they can text LAShelter to 898211 or dial 2-1-1 to locate a shelter. All shelters
in the state use COVID-19 safety measures and are supplied with COVID kits. There, survivors will be safe and have
access to counselors who can support them with their next steps.

Importantly, survivors need to stay in touch with FEMA as their plans and contact information change. When phone
numbers or mailing addresses change, FEMA can’t reach you. So, after you apply for disaster assistance, you need
to let FEMA know each time your information changes. Individuals and households may be eligible for different
programs as they move forward with their recovery.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

# # #