FEMA Teams Going Door-to-Door in Will County to Encourage Relief Applications

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that they will be deploying door-to-door teams to support residents impacted by the July 13-16, 2024 severe weather that impacted Will County. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will be visiting residential and business properties countywide, with a priority on Elwood, Joliet, Manhattan, and Shorewood.
FEMA representatives will be encouraging community members to apply for Individual Assistance from the federal government. Federal funding is now available for those who were impacted by the July 13-16 severe weather, following President Joe Biden declaring a Major Disaster Declaration for Will County on September 20. Individual Assistance can help cover the costs incurred during the disaster, including the following:

• Home repairs
• Temporary housing
• Appliances, furniture, and vehicle damage
• Emergency childcare, medical expenses, lodging, and home safety items:
  • Includes dehumidifiers, generators, chainsaws, smoke detectors
• Essential supplies like water, food, baby formula, medication, or other emergency items

FEMA representatives will never ask for or accept money and will always be wearing a FEMA identification badge with a photograph. A FEMA shirt, vest or jacket is not proof of identity. While helping someone apply, they will ask for personal information, including social security number, annual income and bank information. Residents are encouraged to ask for identification before providing any personal information. They can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify a FEMA visit is legitimate.

Homeowners and renters who experienced underinsured disaster-related loss from the severe weather event do not need to wait for door-to-door assistance to apply for assistance. Applications are available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA App. 

The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) encourages residents to apply for both the FEMA Individual Assistance program and the US Small Business Administration low-interest loan program. Businesses may be eligible for relief for economic impact and residents may be eligible for a low-interest loan of 3% for up to 30 years. Applicants should fill out the application as if they are filling it out immediately after the damage occurred and appeal any denials.

The Will County EMA will continue to coordinate with federal officials on outreach to Will County. Updates will be available at www.willcounty.gov.