Resilience and Recovery: Insights from the July 2022 Eastern Kentucky Flood

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A new report from the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank focuses on the 13 counties declared federal disaster areas and examines the flood’s impact on the region’s housing.

Key findings

  • Cost of flood insurance can be prohibitive. The average cost of homeowners insurance and a flood insurance policy could account for around 7 percent of the median household income in the counties impacted by the 2022 eastern Kentucky flood. These policies can be expensive, particularly for low-income households, leading them to go without. Evidence of these difficult decisions can be found in the fact that only 5 percent of damaged homes had flood insurance, and households earning $30,000 or less per year accounted for 60 percent of damaged homes.
  • Floods exacerbate affordable housing shortages. Nearly 9,000 housing units were affected by the flood, with 74 percent of the damage occurring in just four counties (Breathitt, Knott, Letcher, and Perry), comprising 22 percent of their occupied housing units. Research finds that low-income households and renters are more likely to suffer permanent displacement because they often have fewer relocation options and lower-quality housing is more likely to be demolished instead of being rebuilt. These points are particularly relevant in these 13 flood-impacted counties where, in 2021, 37 percent of households, including 55 percent of renters, made less than $25,000 per year.
  • Floods increase population out-migration, which, in turn, impacts the local labor force. In the four hardest hit counties (Breathitt, Knott, Letcher, and Perry), an analysis of United States Postal Service (USPS) Vacancy Data shows that residential vacancies increased by 19 percent from the third to the fourth quarter in 2022. This is in addition to an average population decline of 600 people per year going back to 1984. Fewer residents mean fewer people available to fill jobs.
  • The pre-existing weakness of local labor markets will likely impact housing recovery, particularly due to a lack of available workforce in skilled trades. Prior to the July 2022 flood, the region experienced unemployment rates consistently higher than the national rate. In the region, the construction sector, key to the housing recovery, has declined by 24 percent (1,759 jobs) from its 2001 peak to 2022. Only coal mining and financial activities employment saw greater declines. This shortage of skilled trades workers, such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers, has led to a backlog of people waiting to get their homes repaired or replaced.

For more information and to read the report, visit Resilience and Recovery: Insights from the July 2022 Eastern Kentucky Flood.

HUD Rolls Out 29 Waivers to Accelerate Hurricane Idalia Recovery Efforts in Florida

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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)  announced today a package of 29 regulatory and administrative waivers aimed at helping communities in Florida accelerate their recovery from Hurricane Idalia.

The regulatory and administrative relief announced covers the following HUD programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Continuum of Care (CoC), and Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP).

To expedite the use of these funds, HUD’s state and local partners can now access a waiver through a new simplified notification process. Through this waiver package, HUD is providing flexibility by:

  • Allowing new housing construction with CDBG funding in declared disaster areas.
  • Suspending the CDBG public services cap to provide additional support services related to the effects of the disaster on individuals and families.
  • Waiving the HOME matching contribution requirements and CHDO set aside to expeditiously provide housing to displaced persons and repair properties damaged by the disaster.
  • Providing flexibility in HOME tenant-based rental assistance requirements to reduce the burden for those seeking assistance.
  • Extending term limits for certain types of assistance, including CDBG emergency grant payments and ESG rental assistance.

This waiver follows HUD flexibilities announced on September 6 following the natural disaster declaration. Below are examples of what CPD funding can be used for in the wake of a disaster:

  • housing rehabilitation
  • housing reconstruction,
  • homebuyer programs replacing disaster damaged residences,
  • acquisition and relocation programs to help people move out of floodplains,
  • infrastructure improvements,
  • demolition of buildings,
  • reconstruction or replacement of public facilities,
  • small business grants and loans,
  • and assistance to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness after a disaster.

 

Corrected Notice: Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants in Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas Pilot Program

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The notice regarding the Single Family Housing Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants in Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas Pilot Program, which was published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, and shared via a GovDelivery message on the same day, has been corrected. The corrected notice was published in the Federal Register today (September 6, 2023) and expands the pilot to any presidentially declared disaster areas that occurred on or after July 18, 2022 (i.e., is not limited to the pilot states outlined in the original notice), until the conclusion of the pilot on July 18, 2025.

 

Hurricane Idalia Disaster Guide

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Hurricane Idalia hit Florida’s Big Bend coast as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday, August 31, 2023, downgraded to a tropical storm when reaching the Carolinas, and went out to the Atlantic Ocean. Currently, over 210,000 households and businesses are without power. Many areas are experiencing flooding, downed trees, and major destruction to homes and buildings. At this time, only one death is confirmed as caused by a fallen tree.

HAC offers the following resources with information for nonprofits and communities dealing with loss and damage from Hurricane Idalia: Rural Resilience in the Face of Disaster site and Disaster Response for Rural Communities Guide.

If you are in need of emergency, transient housing, you can text SHELTER and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find where the shelter closest to you is located.

TIPS

Please keep in mind the following safety protocols for hurricanes and flooding:

  • Only call 911 if you have an immediate need for medical attention or evacuation assistance.
  • If you can’t get through to 911 on first try, keep calling.
  • DO NOT DRIVE through high water and DO NOT DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES! Just 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • DO NOT WALK through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down.
  • If your home floods, STAY THERE. You are safer at home than trying to navigate flooded streets on foot.
  • If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is NOT MOVING, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter MOVING water.
  • STAY AWAY from streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
  • MOVE important items – especially important documents like insurance policies – to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.
  • DISCONNECT electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.

This flooding event is a reminder that all residents in this area should carry flood insurance. Contact your insurance agent for more information about purchasing flood insurance or visit the National Flood Insurance Program at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program or call 1-888-379-9531. Please keep in mind that new insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect.

If your home has experienced damage, remember to check the outside of your home before you enter. Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, missing support beams, or other damage. It may be safest to ask a building inspector or contractor to check the structure before you enter. Do not force jammed doors open, as they may be providing needed support to the rest of the home. Sniff for gas to ensure there are no natural or propane gas leaks. If you do have a propane tank system, make sure to turn off all valves and contact a propane supplier to check the system before you use it again. Check floors and ceilings to ensure they are not sagging from water damage. This can be especially hazardous. Take photographs of any damage as you may need them for insurance claims or FEMA claims later on.

RESOURCES

Apply for FEMA Assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline answers questions about the help offered by FEMA, how to apply for assistance, or the information in your account.
Toll-free helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
For hearing impaired callers only:
1-800-462-7585 (TTY)
1-800-621-3362 (Video Relay Service)
Operators are multilingual and calls are answered seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET

American Red Cross Disaster Service: For referrals and updates on Red Cross shelter services in your area, locate a local Red Cross office through: https://www.redcross.org/find-help or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross helps disaster victims by providing safe shelter, hot meals, essential relief supplies, emotional support and health services like first aid. Trained Red Cross workers often meet one-on-one with families to develop individual plans and identify available resources to help aid recovery.

STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES

Florida

Florida Division of Emergency Management

2555 Shumard Oak Blvd.

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100

Phone: (850) 815-4000

https://www.floridadisaster.org/

 

Georgia

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency

935 United Ave. SE

Atlanta, GA 30316-0055

Phone: (404) 635-7200

https://gema.georgia.gov/locations

 

North Carolina

North Carolina Emergency Management

Phone: 919-825-2500

https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management

 

South Carolina

South Carolina Emergency Management Division

Phone: (803) 737-8500

https://www.scemd.org/

 

STATE HOUSING AGENCIES

Florida

Florida Housing Finance Corporation

227 N Bronough Street, Suite 5000

Tallahassee, FL 32301-1367

Phone: (850) 488-4197

http://www.floridahousing.org

 

Georgia

Georgia Department of Community Affairs / Georgia Housing and Finance Authority

60 Executive Park South NE

Atlanta, GA 30329-2231

Phone: (404) 679-4940

http://www.dca.ga.gov

 

North Carolina

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

3508 Bush Street

Raleigh, NC 27609-7509

Phone: (919) 877-5700

https://www.nchfa.com/

 

South Carolina

South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority

300 Outlet Pointe Boulevard, Suite C

Columbia, SC 29210

Phone: (803) 896-9001

Fax: (803) 551-4876

http://www.schousing.com

 

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT STATE FIELD OFFICES

Florida

Jacksonville Field Office

Charles E. Bennett Federal Building

400 W. Bay Street, Suite 1015

Jacksonville, FL 32202

Phone: (904) 232-2627

Director: Alesia Scott-Ford

https://www.hud.gov/states/florida/offices

 

Miami Field Office

Brickell Plaza Federal Building

909 SE First Avenue, Room 500

Miami, FL 33131-3028

Phone: (305) 536-4456
Director: Luis M. Rolle

 

Georgia

Atlanta Regional Office

Five Points Plaza Building

40 Marietta Street

Atlanta, GA 30303

Phone: (404) 331-5136

Regional Administrator: José Alvarez, Regional Administrator

Phone: (678) 732-2200

https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/offices

 

North Carolina

Greensboro Field Office

Asheville Building

1500 Pinecroft Road, Suite 401

Greensboro, NC 27407

Phone: (336) 547-4000

Director- Lorenzo Claxton

https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina

 

South Carolina

Columbia Field Office

Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Strom Thurmond Federal Building

1835 Assembly Street, 13th Floor

Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: (803) 765-5592

Director- Kristine Foye

https://www.hud.gov/states/south_carolina

 

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT STATE OFFICES

Florida

4500 NW 27th Avenue

Suite D-2

Gainesville, FL 32606
Phone: (352) 338-3400

Director: Lakeisha Hood

https://www.rd.usda.gov/fl-vi

 

Georgia

Stephens Federal Building

355 E. Hancock Avenue, Stop 300

Athens, GA 30601-2768

Phone: (706) 546-2162

Director: Reggie Taylor

https://www.rd.usda.gov/ga

 

North Carolina

4405 Bland Road, Suite 260

Raleigh, NC 27609

Phone: (919) 873-2000

Director: Reginal Speight

https://www.rd.usda.gov/nc

 

South Carolina

Strom Thurmond Federal Building

1835 Assembly Street, Room 1007

Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: (803) 765-5163

Director: Dr. Saundra Glover

https://www.rd.usda.gov/sc

 

August 2023 Maui Fire Rural Response Guide

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Dry grasses and strong winds contributed to one of the country’s deadliest wildfires breaking out in Lāhainā, Hawaii on August 8th. Almost 2000 people are without electricity and over 10,000 are without phone and internet. The administration issued a major disaster declaration on August 10th to release more than $8.5 million in aid to the affected families. As of August 22nd, 115 people have been confirmed dead and over 800 are missing. Response teams are on the ground and the disaster area is still being searched.

RESOURCES

HAC offers the following resources with information for organizations and communities dealing with loss and damage resulting from wildfires: Rural Resilience in the Face of Disaster site and Disaster Response for Rural Communities Guide.

County of Maui, Hawaii Wildfire Resources

Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP)

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800- 462-7585 TTY. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

If federal assistance becomes available for residents affected by the fires, to apply you must complete a multi-purpose application online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov.

Toll-free helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

For hearing impaired callers only:  1-800-462-7585 (TTY)

1-800-621-3362 (Video Relay Service)

For information and resources specific to Hawaii, visit https://www.fema.gov/locations/hawaii.

If you are in need of emergency, transient housing, you can text SHELTER and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find where the shelter closest to you is located.

American Red Cross Disaster Service

For referrals and updates on Red Cross shelter services in your area, locate a local Red Cross office through: https://www.redcross.org/find-help or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross helps disaster victims by providing safe shelter, hot meals, essential relief supplies, emotional support and health services like first aid. Trained Red Cross workers often meet one-on-one with families to develop individual plans and identify available resources to help aid recovery.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

200 S High St

Kalana O Maui Bldg, 1st Fl

Wailuku, HI 96793

Phone: (808) 270-7285

Fax: (808) 270-7275

https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD offers a Disaster Recovery Toolkit and makes other related resources available: https://www.hud.gov/info/disasterresources.

HUD State Office

Honolulu Field Office

1003 Bishop Street

Suite 2100

Honolulu, HI 96813-6463

(808) 457-4662

Fax: (808) 457-4694

Field Office Director: Ryan T. Okahara

USDA-Rural Development

To determine whether USDA has specific assistance available for fire survivors who had USDA Rural Development assistance before the fires, check for information online at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/services/rural-development-disaster-assistance.

Hawaii and Western Pacific USDA RD State Office

Phone: (808) 933-8380

  • State Director’s Office: (808) 291-2058
  • Business Programs: (808) 933-8323
  • Community Programs: (808) 933-8308
  • Housing Programs: (808) 933-8300

State Housing Agency

Each state has at least one agency that administers state and federal programs to promote decent affordable housing for low-income individuals. Typically, these agencies and authorities administer some aspects of state or federal programs.

Maui County Housing Division

Section 8 Rental Assistance Program

Phone: 808-270-7751

Fax: 808-270-7829

https://www.mauicounty.gov/251/Housing-Division

TIPS

Evacuating and Returning Home

The Red Cross website provides suggestions on actions to prepare for evacuation and returning home after a fire.

IF A FIRE OCCURS Listen to your local media for updates on the fire and be ready to leave quickly. Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing your direction of escape. You should also:

  • Keep your pets in one room so you can find them quickly if you have to evacuate.
  • Arrange for a temporary place to stay outside the threatened area.
  • Keep your indoor air clean – close windows and doors to prevent the smoke outside from getting in your home.
  • Use the recycle mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s too hot to be inside, seek shelter somewhere else.
  • If smoke levels are high, don’t use anything that burns and adds to air pollution inside such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.

AFTER THE FIRE Don’t go home until fire officials say it is safe. Be cautious entering a burned area – hazards could still exist. Avoid damaged or downed power lines, poles and wires. Other things to do include:

  • Keep your animals under your direct control. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn them.
  • Wet down debris to minimize breathing dust particles.
  • Wear leather gloves and shoes with heavy soles.
  • Throw out any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
  • Recheck for smoke or sparks throughout your home for several hours after the fire, including in your attic. Wildfire winds can blow burning embers anywhere so check for embers that could cause a fire.

If your home has experienced damage, remember to check the outside of your home before you enter. Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundations cracks, missing support beams, or other damage. It may be safest to ask a building inspector of contractor to check the structure before you enter. Do not force jammed doors open, as they may be providing needed support to the rest of the home. Sniff for gas to ensure there are no natural or propane gas leaks. If you do have a propane tank system, make sure to turn off all valves and contact a propane supplier to check the system before you use it again. Check floors and ceilings to ensure they are not sagging from water damage; this can be especially hazardous. Take photographs of any damage as you may need them for insurance claims or FEMA claims later on.

A general view of a flooded area, in Ludlow, Vt., July 10, 2023. © Instagram@henrysweatherchannel/via Reuters

July 2023 Vermont Flash Flood Disaster Guide

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Flash floods in Vermont triggered by torrential rainfall hit the state causing President Joe Biden to declare a state of emergency on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has begun its efforts to coordinate disaster relief efforts in Vermont as communities across the state are experiencing historic flooding. Vermont Governor Phil Scott stated that the flooding is wreaking havoc as more rain is expected later this week. HAC offers the following resources with information for organizations and communities dealing with loss and damage resulting from the flash floods in the Northeast: Rural Resilience in the Face of Disaster site and Disaster Response for Rural Communities Guide.

If you are in need of emergency, transient housing, you can text SHELTER and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find where the shelter closest to you is located. Additional resources are available as flooding continues:

Apply for FEMA Assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline answers questions about the help offered by FEMA, how to apply for assistance, or the information in your account.

Toll-free helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
For hearing impaired callers only:
1-800-462-7585 (TTY)
1-800-621-3362 (Video Relay Service)
Operators are multilingual and calls are answered seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

For more information on federal aid programs visit FEMA’s website. Aid may include rental payments, home repair, unemployment payments, loans, and other assistance.

American Red Cross Disaster Service: For referrals and updates on Red Cross shelter services in your area, locate a local Red Cross office through: https://www.redcross.org/find-help or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross helps disaster victims by providing safe shelter, hot meals, essential relief supplies, emotional support and health services like first aid. Trained Red Cross workers often meet one-on-one with families to develop individual plans and identify available resources to help aid recovery.

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FIELD OFFICES

Vermont
Burlington Field Office
95 Saint Paul Street,
Suite 440
Burlington, VT 05401-4486

Phone: (802) 951-6290

State Director: Sean Thomas

https://www.hud.gov/states/vermont

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT FIELD OFFICE

Vermont Rural Development State Office

87 State St., Ste. 324, PO Box 249, Montpelier, VT  05601
Phone: (802) 828-6080

Director: Sarah Waring
https://www.rd.usda.gov/vt

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES

Headquarters

Eric Forand
Interim Director
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-1300
Phone: (800) 347-0488

https://vem.vermont.gov/

Taiga Christie
Regional Coordinator – South
Phone: (800) 347-0488
Email: Taiga.Christie@vermont.gov

Harry Schoppman
Regional Coordinator – Northwest
Phone: (800) 347-0488
Email: harry.schoppmann@vermont.gov

Damages from flooding in the Midwest

USDA makes home repair grants available for disaster impact in rural Kentucky

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U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced the availability of grants to help people repair their homes that were damaged by historic flooding and other destructive weather in 2022.

The homes must be located in Presidentially declared disaster areas. People living in 26 Kentucky counties are eligible for the funding.

The grants are being made available through supplemental disaster funding under the Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant Program. Through this program, people may apply to receive grants of up to $40,675 directly from USDA to repair their homes.

For more information on how to apply, contact Rural Development Kentucky’s Single-Family Housing team at 859-224-7322 or visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-page/kentucky-contacts.

Read the USDA Announcement

Notice of Funding Opportunity: Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program

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EPA is seeking applications from eligible entities for a new federal grant program to support enhancing wildfire smoke preparedness in community buildings. The Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program will provide grants and cooperative agreements to states, federally recognized tribes, public preschools, local educational agencies, and non-profit organizations for the assessment, prevention, control or abatement of wildfire smoke hazards in community buildings and related activities.

The deadline to apply is May 9, 2023.

Apply Now

EPA will host an information session for potential applicants. During the webinar, EPA will provide an overview of the funding opportunity and the application process.

When: April 10, 3 – 4 p.m. ET

Register Now

Learn more about the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program.

March 31- April 1 Midwest and Southern Tornadoes 2023 Disaster Guide

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The National Weather Service confirmed more than 60 tornadoes hit the South and Midwest on Friday and Saturday, March 31 – April 1. The most affected states were Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Most of these governors have announced emergency or disaster declarations for their state. As of Monday morning, there are at least 32 deaths and many more people injured from the tornadoes. Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed and have to be rebuilt.

HAC offers the following resources with information for nonprofits dealing with loss and damage from tornadoes: Rural Resilience in the Face of Disaster site and Disaster Response for Rural Communities Guide.

If you are in need of emergency, transient housing, you can text SHELTER and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find where the shelter closest to you is located.

TIPS

Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP)
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800- 462-7585 TTY. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Check Your Home: Structural Elements

If your home has experienced damage, remember to the check the outside of your home before you enter. Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundations cracks, missing support beams, or other damage. It may be safest to ask a building inspector of contractor to check the structure before you enter. Do not force jammed doors open, as they may be providing needed support to the rest of the home. Sniff for gas to ensure there are no natural or propane gas leaks. If you do have a propane tank system, make sure to turn off all valves and contact a propane supplier to check the system before you use it again. Check floors and ceilings to ensure they are not sagging from water damage; this can be especially hazardous. Take photographs of any damage as you may need them for insurance claims or FEMA claims later.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

To apply to disaster assistance funding, you must complete a multi-purpose application over the phone on FEMA’s toll-free national tele registration or online.
Toll-free helpline:
1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
For hearing impaired callers only:
1-800-462-7585 (TTY)
1-800-621-3362 (Video Relay Service)
For more information on federal aid programs visit FEMA’s website. Aid may include rental payments, home repair, unemployment payments, loans, and other assistance.

American Red Cross Disaster Service

For referrals and updates on Red Cross shelter services in your area, locate a local Red Cross office through: https://www.redcross.org/get-help.html or by calling the Public Inquiry Center at 1-800-214-0441. If an emergency has forced you to evacuate your home, the Red Cross has a list of Open Shelters on its website.

State and Local Housing Agencies

Each state has at least one agency that administers state and federal programs to promote decent affordable housing for low-income individuals. Typically, these agencies and authorities administer some aspects of state or federal programs. Below is a list of relevant organizations in states impacted by the tornadoes.

Alabama
Alabama Housing Finance Authority
7460 Halcyon Pointe Drive, Suite 200
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 244-9200
http://www.ahfa.com/

Arkansas
Arkansas Development Finance Authority
P.O. Box 8023
Little Rock, AR 72203-8023
(501) 682-5900
http://www.arkansas.gov/adfa

 Illinois
Illinois Housing Development Authority
111 E Wacker Drive, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 836-5200
http://www.ihda.org

Indiana
Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority
30 South Meridian Street
Suite 900
Indianapolis IN – 46204
(800) 872-0371 (Inside Indiana Only)
(317) 232-7777
https://www.in.gov/ihcda/home/

Mississippi
Mississippi Home Corporation
735 Riverside Drive
Jackson, MS 39202-1166
Phone: (601) 718-4642
Fax: (601) 718-4643
http://www.mshomecorp.com

Tennessee
Tennessee Housing Development Agency
502 Deaderick Street, Third Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 815-2200
Fax: (615) 564-2700
https://www.thda.org

Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Offices

REGION IV
(serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee)
(770) 220-5200
www.fema.gov/region-iv-al-fl-ga-ky-ms-nc-sc-tn

REGION V
(serves Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin)
(312) 408-4427
https://www.fema.gov/about/organization/region-5

REGION VI
(serves Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas)
(940) 898-5399
https://www.fema.gov/about/organization/region-6

Department of Housing and Urban Development State Field Offices

Alabama
417 20th Street North,Suite 700
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 731 2617
Director Kenneth E. Free
https://www.hud.gov/states/alabama/offices

Arkansas
425 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000
Little Rock, AR 72201-3488
(501) 918-5700
Director: Wanda C. Merritt
https://www.hud.gov/states/arkansas/offices

Illinois
Ralph Metcalfe Federal Building
77 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604-3507
(312) 353-6236
Director: Kimberly Danna
https://www.hud.gov/states/illinois/offices

 Indiana
Minton Capehart Federal Building
575 North Pennsylvania Street, Suite 655
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 226-6303
Director: Kimberly Wize
https://www.hud.gov/states/indiana/offices

Mississippi
Dr. A. H. McCoy Federal Building
100 West Capitol Street
Room 910
Jackson, MS 39269-1096
(601) 965-4757
Director: Adrenace Williams
https://www.hud.gov/states/mississippi/offices

Tennessee
200 Jefferson Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 544-3367
Acting Director: Kenneth E. Free
https://www.hud.gov/states/tennessee/offices

Rural Development State Offices

Alabama
Nivory Gordon, Jr., State Director
4121 Carmichael Road, Suite 601
Montgomery, AL 36106-3683
(334) 279-3400
www.rd.usda.gov/al

Arkansas
Jill Floyd, State Director
Federal Building
700 West Capitol Avenue, Room 3416
Little Rock, AR 72201-3225
(501) 301-3216
https://www.rd.usda.gov/ar

Illinois
Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, State Director
2118 West Park Court, Suite A
Champaign, IL 61821
(217) 403-6200
https://www.rd.usda.gov/il

Indiana
Terry Goodin, State Director
5975 Lakeside Boulevard
Indianapolis, Indiana 46278
(317) 290-3100
https://www.rd.usda.gov/in

Mississippi
Trina George, State Director
Federal Building, Suite 831
100 West Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39269
(601) 965-4316
www.rd.usda.gov/ms
 
Tennessee
Arlisa Armstrong, State Director
441 Donelson Pike, Suite 310
Nashville, TN  37214
(615) 783-1300
www.rd.usda.gov/tn

State Emergency Management Agencies

Alabama
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
5898 County Road 41
Clanton, Alabama 35046-2160
Phone: (205) 280-2476
Fax: (205) 280-2442
https://ema.alabama.gov/

Arkansas
Building 9501
Camp Joseph T. Robinson
North Little Rock, AR 72199
(501) 683-6700
https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/emergency-management/adem/

Illinois
Illinois Emergency Management Agency
2200 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, Illinois 62703
(217) 782-2700
24-hour Response (217) 782-7860
https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/Pages/default.aspx

Indiana
Indiana Dept. of Homeland Security
Indiana Government Center-South, Room E208
302 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739
(317) 232-2222
https://www.in.gov/dhs/emergency-management-and-preparedness/

Mississippi
P.O. Box 5644 Pearl, Mississippi
(601) 933-MEMA
24 hour emergency line: 1-800-222-MEMA(6362)
https://www.msema.org/

Tennessee
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
3041 Sidco Dr.
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 741-0001
https://www.tn.gov/tema.html

Southern Tornadoes 2023 Disaster Guide

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On March 24th, a supercell storm caused a major tornado that wreaked havoc on Mississippi and Alabama. A state of emergency has been declared with federal funds deployed to the affected area. As of Monday morning, 25 people have been killed, dozens injured, and 36,000 people are without power. Much of the devastation is concentrated in Rolling Fork, MS, a poor rural town with a population of about 2000. The storm was particularly destructive because of the wide nature of the tornado that occurred at night, which made it difficult to see forming. Severe weather continues on Monday.

HAC offers the following resources with information for nonprofits dealing with loss and damage from tornadoes: Rural Resilience in the Face of Disaster site and Disaster Response for Rural Communities Guide.

If you are in need of emergency, transient housing, you can text SHELTER and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find where the shelter closest to you is located.

TIPS

Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP)
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800- 462-7585 TTY. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Check Your Home: Structural Elements

If your home has experienced damage, remember to the check the outside of your home before you enter. Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundations cracks, missing support beams, or other damage. It may be safest to ask a building inspector of contractor to check the structure before you enter. Do not force jammed doors open, as they may be providing needed support to the rest of the home. Sniff for gas to ensure there are no natural or propane gas leaks. If you do have a propane tank system, make sure to turn off all valves and contact a propane supplier to check the system before you use it again. Check floors and ceilings to ensure they are not sagging from water damage; this can be especially hazardous. Take photographs of any damage as you may need them for insurance claims or FEMA claims later.

 

RESOURCES

Apply for FEMA Assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline answers questions about the help offered by FEMA, how to apply for assistance, or the information in your account.
Toll-free helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
For hearing impaired callers only:
1-800-462-7585 (TTY)
1-800-621-3362 (Video Relay Service)
Operators are multilingual and calls are answered seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET

American Red Cross Disaster Service: For referrals and updates on Red Cross shelter services in your area, locate a local Red Cross office through: https://www.redcross.org/find-help or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross helps disaster victims by providing safe shelter, hot meals, essential relief supplies, emotional support and health services like first aid. Trained Red Cross workers often meet one-on-one with families to develop individual plans and identify available resources to help aid recovery.

 

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY REGIONAL OFFICE REGION IV
(serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
3003 Chamblee Tucker Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
Main Number: 770-220-5200
Fax Number: 770-220-5230
www.fema.gov/region-iv-al-fl-ga-ky-ms-nc-sc-tn

 

STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES

Alabama
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
5898 County Road 41
Clanton, Alabama 35046-2160
Phone: (205) 280-2476
Fax: (205) 280-2442
https://www.ema.alabama.gov

Mississippi
P.O. Box 5644 Pearl, Mississippi
(601) 933-MEMA
24 hour emergency line: 1-800-222-MEMA(6362)
https://www.msema.org/

 

STATE HOUSING AGENCIES

Alabama
Alabama Housing Finance Authority
7460 Halcyon Pointe Drive, Suite 200
Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: (334) 244-9200
http://www.ahfa.com/

Mississippi
Mississippi Home Corporation
735 Riverside Drive
Jackson, MS 39202-1166
Phone: (601) 718-4642
Fax: (601) 718-4643
http://www.mshomecorp.com

 

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT STATE FIELD OFFICES

Alabama
417 20th Street North
Suite 700
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 731-2617
Director Kenneth E. Free
www.hud.gov/states/alabama

Mississippi
Dr. A. H. McCoy Federal Building
100 West Capitol Street
Room 910
Jackson, MS 39269-1096
(601) 965-4757
Director: Adrenace Williams
https://www.hud.gov/states/mississippi/offices

 

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT STATE OFFICES

Alabama
4121 Carmichael Road, Suite 601
Montgomery, AL 36106-3683
Phone: (334) 279-3400
Fax: (855) 304-8456
Nivory Gordon, Jr., State Director
www.rd.usda.gov/al

Mississippi
Federal Building, Suite 831
100 West Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39269
Phone: (601) 965-4316
Fax: (601) 965-4088
Trina George, State Director
www.rd.usda.gov/ms

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Over 50 years HAC has worked in every U.S. state and the territories. Learn more about what our work means for rural communities.

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(202) 842-8600  |  (202) 347-3441  |  hac@ruralhome.org

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