Disaster Assistance Programs for Puerto Rico | Caribbean Islands Natural disasters such as a hurricane, storm, flood, wildfire, or a natural disaster such as a home fire, affect millions of people every year. If you live in Puerto Rico, Florida or the Caribbean, and have been lost you home, or belongings due to a disaster, there are government, community and charitable organization that can help you start over again.
If you have been warned there is a major storm, hurricane, or wildfire coming to your area; please gather all your personal documents and ID to make it easier to get help from disaster assistance programs. The year of the 2017 solar eclipse resulted in the worst storms and hurricanes in the United States’ recorded history. We have listed many organizations where you can get help with housing, clothes, food, furniture, and medical assistance.
Help is available once the government had declared your city is in a state of emergency. If you are staying at a shelter, government agents and charities may visit your location to register you for help. You may also be able to register for FEMA and government assistance online.
Applying to Disaster Assistance Programs
Below are some of the document you will need to apply
- Social Security number
- Address of property damaged.
- Present mailing address
- Present phone number
- Insurance information
- Gross family annual income
- Banking account numbers for direct deposit from FEMA
- A description of your disaster-caused damage and losses
FEMA Assistance for Puerto Rico, Florida, or the Caribbean
FEMA stands for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s primary purpose is to coordinate state and local agencies to provide disaster assistance in response to an overwhelming disaster. FEMA Assistance – Apply Here
If you Need Help Right Away.
If you are waiting for assistance from FEMA, there are partners available to provide immediate help.
- Emergency Medical Assistance Call 9-1-1 Help
- Shelter: Salvation Army, American Red Cross, or you can get help by texting the word “shelter” and your zip code. Immediate help call 800-621-3362 or for TTY 800-462-7585
Here you can get help from trusted agencies. Please ask for referrals to other agencies for other needs you may have.
Lost your Primary Home – Receive housing assistance if you have lost your home due to a governmentally recognized disaster. You may qualify for assistance if you are a renter or homeowner. You can only receive help for one issue. No assistance is available for secondary homes. Apply for assistance.
Business Loans – Low-interest loans are available from the SBA for small business owners.
FEMA also helps with medical and dental, childcare, funeral and burial, essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle, and cleaning supplies.
Help with Critical Needs – You have a life-threatening condition or have immediate needs like food, water, prescription drugs, medical equipment, infant formula first aid CNA, or Critical Needs Assistance is available. You receive a one-time grant of $500 for each household. FEMA authorizes CNA.
Locate a Crisis Disaster Center – Disaster Recovery Centers are located in areas that are easy to access. They also have mobile offices that travel to shelters and other areas to get information about available programs. Representatives can also help you to apply for assistance.
Puerto Rico, Florida, and the Caribbean Islands can receive help from the agencies listed below.
- Apply for FEMA and other Assistance
- Housing Assistance
- Legal Services
- Crisis Counseling
- SBA information
- Funeral Assistance
Understand that areas like the Caribbean and Puerto are more difficult to access, but food, clothes, baby supplies, toiletries are being airdropped and shipped to the residents. Also, check out FEMA’s YouTube Channel.
Emergency Contact Numbers
- Looking for a safe shelter: 1-800-RED-CROSS
- Notify family you are safe: here.
- Receive trauma counseling: 1-800-985-5990 or go here
- Report a Missing child: 1- 866-908-9570