HOUSTON — People across the Houston area need help after Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc across Southeast Texas.
Many have spent money on hotels, gas for generators and food they had to replace due to widespread power outages.
In the last few days, about 300,000 people in the area applied for help through FEMA. Click here to apply online.
RELATED: FEMA grants Harris County, 15 other counties individual assistance due to Beryl | How to apply
Isobella Jade said she prepared before the storm by booking hotel stays.
"I was, like, I'm booking this 'til Monday as a precaution. There was no way we could stay. I felt last time it was hot for four days. We were miserable," she said.
After dealing with a power outage during the derecho, Jade didn't want to go through the same again.
"I have two little kids. I was feeling very stressed, strained," she said.
She spent about $2,000 on hotel stays and food after her power was out for a week.
"We also probably lost about $300 in food," she said.
The only things left were some pickles and sauce. Now, she's having to spend more to replace what she had to throw away.
She understands a lot of people can't afford the out-of-pocket costs.
But now, you can get assistance and even be reimbursed through FEMA.
For those who are affected, you can apply for assistance on the FEMA website, by phone or at one of the disaster recovery centers, where help is available in both English and Spanish.
FEMA assistance
- Website: DISASTERASSISTANCE.GOV
- Phone: 800-621-3362
- Disaster Recovery Centers: FEMA.gov/drc
FEMA said it's getting about 6,000 requests for help per day, so if you're going to apply, there will be long wait times on the phone and in person.
There's currently no deadline to apply for help.
Who can get help?
The federal help is for homeowners and renters who live in one of the 17 counties under the disaster declaration.
What kind of help is available?
There are two kinds of help being offered.
One is a one-time $750 payment per household. It's available even if you have insurance.
There's also housing assistance. Over the years, FEMA has gotten away from using trailers and now lets you take the money and use it to stay at a hotel or Airbnb.
FEMA disaster recovery centers
Disaster recovery centers reopened in Harris and Austin counties on July 16.
Houston and Harris County
Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center at 6402 Market St. in Houston
Spring Spirit at 8526 Pitner Rd. in Houston
Austin County
Bellville Police Dept Training Center at 162 N Chesley St. in Bellville
Information in Spanish
Las personas en el área de Houston que se vieron afectadas por el huracán Beryl ya pueden solicitar la asistencia financiera de FEMA en la página web en español — por teléfono — o aquí en uno de los centros de recuperación por desastre.
Asistencia de FEMA
- Sitio web: DISASTERASSISTANCE.GOV/ES
- Telefono: 800-621-3362
- Centros: FEMA.gov/es/locations