Steps to Assistance

As more local churches help flood and storm damaged people, please keep in mind the steps to disaster assistance.

Step 1 Utililize Homeowners/Renters Insurance

Step 2 Register for FEMA/State Assistance

Step 3 Apply for Small Business/Individual (SBA) Loan

Step 4 Apply for Other Needs Assistance from State (must submit SBA loan application first)

Step 5 Ask for assistance from United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other faith-based relief through the Long Term Recovery Commmittee case worker.

If the local church extends permanent repairs or replacement of lost personal property before all 5 steps have been taken, there is a high risk of inadvertently hurting the client through "duplication of services." Rushing forward with repairs may hurt more than it helps. Please help the client through the process to recovery.