Updated 10:30 Wednesday to include Nassau County:
Duval and Nassau County residents whose homes were damaged during Hurricane Matthew can now apply for grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
That’s music to the ears of residents who’ve been in a sort of financial limbo for weeks.
Michelle Tifton says her house didn't sustain any wind damage, but when the storm surge rushed ashore at Jacksonville Beach, her home was inundated.
“We had probably four to five feet tide surge in less than two hours, and we ended up with substantial water damage to the home,” she said.
Tifton has the required flood insurance but not homeowner’s insurance. So, before FEMA announced it’s extending individual assistance to Duval County, she worried she wouldn't recoup her losses. FEMA announced individual assistance was available in four other North Florida counties last week.
She has to repair her pool and a dock, and several possessions inside her house were damaged too.
“There’s a lot within our property that we had substantial damage to that it’s not covered,” she said.
That’s exactly why the FEMA grants exist, so those with inadequate coverage can better recover after a storm. Grants can cover temporary housing and home repairs, medical expenses and even funeral or burial costs.
Still, Tifton, who pre-registered with the disaster relief agency, isn't sure that’ll make her whole.
“There’s not a whole lot of answers right now as to what we can do, and we’re kind of just stuck right now, which is a difficult spot to be in. But I’m very thankful for the family and friends that we have,” she said.
Tifton said Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham helped her file claims, going so far as to personally visit her damaged home.
“I had never met him or spoken with him prior and was very impressed with his sincere efforts in making something happen,” she said.
Long-term, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to help people regain lost wages or conduct repairs.
Property owners can register for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
Reporter Ryan Benk can be reached at rbenk@wjct.org, 904-358-6319 or on Twitter @RyanMichaelBenk.
