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Texas disaster assistance programs - Have you been hit by Hurricane Harvey? There are programs like FEMA, Salvation Army, the Red Cross and other charitable organizations that specialize in helping victims of disasters. Get help with bills, like rent, utilities, mortgage and other bills. Hurricane Harvey is one of the worst disasters in the history of Texas. Thousands have lost homes, jobs and some their lives. Find out where to go when you do not know where to go and what to do during and after a disaster. How to Receive Assistance Emergency Contact Numbers Looking for a safe shelter: 1-800-RED-CROSS Receive trauma counseling: 1-800-985-5990 or go here Report a Missing child: 1- 866-908-9570 Notify family you are safe: here Also, Check Out Crisis Assistance Free Furniture Programs Free Winter Coats for Kids Free Christmas Toys for Kids FEMA: Different Texas Disaster Assistance Programs FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Their purpose is to deal with disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, winter storms, floods and other disasters too big for state and local municipalities. Once the governor requests a State of Emergency from the president, FEMA, and other agencies have authority and funding to respond. You can not register for FEMA Assistance. Authorized representatives will come to shelters and temporary housing stations to help register those who have been displaced by the storm. You can also register online if you have access to mobile services. Contact the agencies to register to help. The Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program and other assistance programs offer up to $33,000 for repairs to private homes or household property damaged in a major disaster. The U.S. Government, charities, relief groups, and individuals are working together to whatever ever help is needed, to provide your mandatory immediate and long-term needs. Crisis counseling Legal Assistance Veterans’ benefits Income tax assistance Financial assistance for help with temporary housing Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers Low-interest loans for individuals and business owners Grants for mandatory home repairs and essential household items not covered by insurance policies Grants to replace personal items, dental, medical bills, transportation and funeral arrangements How to Apply for Help If you are a business or individual affected by a disaster, you can apply for assistance online. Registering for help at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Hearing or speech disability call 1-800-462-7585 Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Texas (D-SNAP) - Disaster SNAP D-SNAP is food benefits given to residents during a disaster. You may be eligible for D-SNAP benefits when You do not get regular SNAP benefits You were living in the declared disaster area You have clean-up expenses Lost your job due to disaster You need repairs on your home or business Temporary shelter or evacuation expenses Securing your home or business Replace personal or household items Personal injury, including funeral expenses When you apply for D-SNAP, a caseworker calculates your income at the time of the disaster, money in the bank, and on hand, etc. D-SNAP benefits are determined by income and family size. For more information on qualifying for D-SNAP go. Find out which local stores are open by calling the Lone Star Help Desk at 1-800-7777 EBT (1-800-777-7328). Hurricane Harvey Financial Assistance Texas is a great producer of cattle and produce. Farmers can experience huge losses during a natural disaster. If you are a farmer or rancher, the Texas Department of Agriculture provides emergency programs and resources during your time of need. The STAR Fund (State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund) helps farmers and ranchers during unexpected emergencies. This fund can help to rebuild and secure properties, help get businesses up and running and other immediate needs. $1,000 is give for each $2,000 of expenses. You have 60 days day to submit an application for assistance. Eligibility - You must fill out an application and provide proof of loss and invoices for all restoration work done. Safe Places to Donate to Texas Disaster Assistance Programs Hurricane Harvey is one of the worst disasters in the US in recent times. The victims will need support for a very long time. People have lost homes, all their belonging and their jobs as this storm have also shut down local stores and businesses. While you want to donate to a worthy cause, you want to make sure you are giving to the legitimate organization. Do not give unless you know who you are giving to. Be careful when giving. During these times or hardship, fake charities pop up online to take advantage of those wanting to help. Please give directly online to confirmed disaster relief organizations. Samaritan's Purse This is an amazing faith-based organization, that is a first responder to bring disaster assistance around the world. They are a 501c(3) organization. What is good to know is 88.1% of your donations goes directly to the cause. You will receive an automated receipt to use for tax deduction purposes. Red Cross - The American Red Cross is a not for profit 501c3 charitable organization. Your donation to the Red Cross is tax deductible. They are a relief organization helping people worldwide. Salvation Army The Salvation Army typically spends 82% of donations on aid. But during disasters, 100% of your donation goes to relief efforts. Donate to Salvation Army Other Giving Links Save the Children Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Heart to Heart International