Quick Finance Tips During Times of Disaster:
Contact your place of employment
Speak with an HR representative to get information on policies concerning leave and missing work.
Contact your bank
Ensure the bank has up-to-date contact information and notify them if items have been lost or need to be canceled or issued to stop payment.
Contact any and all creditors
Notify creditors as soon as possible and request assistance with deferring payment or inquire about disaster benefits.
Retrieve important documents
Drivers licenses, Social Security cards, birth certificates, housing documents, passports, bank statements, checks, insurance policies, citizenship forms, marriage license, etc. Contact applicable agency if those documents are missing, lost or damaged.
Contact fraud protection agency
If needed, call to add an alert or notify them of disaster.
Register with FEMA
No matter how severe, if you have been impacted by Winter Storm Uri, you should register with FEMA to apply for federal disaster assistance. There are three ways to register:
• Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• Or Download the FEMA App
• Or Call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-242-7585)
Contact the Greater Houston 2021 Winter Storm Relief Fund
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo have announced their joint effort to establish a fund that will focus on relief and recover efforts across Houston and Harris County. Those impacted by Winter Storm Uri, can now text HoustonFreeze to 898211 or , for Spanish, text Houston Ayuda to 898211. When assistance is available, individuals will be contacted regarding eligibility requirements and information on how to apply.
Contact the Houston Financial Empowerment Center.
Schedule a free one-on-one financial counseling session. The HFEC will provide you with advice and guidance before, during and after times of disaster. Whether you have short-term financial needs or long-term goals, we are here to help. Our team is equipped with knowledge and tips as well as best practices and access to outside resources for referrals. Contact us at (832) 393-1125 to schedule your session today!
Winter Storm Recovery Resources
FEMA
Disaster survivors may qualify for federal assistance due to sustained damage from the most recent winter storm. Eligible Houston and Harris County homeowners and renters can receive temporary housing, financial assistance for replacement of damaged items, and more. To complete the FEMA application, visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1.800.621.3362. For more information, visit www.FEMA.gov.
Crisis Clean-Up
Crisis clean-up assistance is available for winter storm damaged homes. Call 1.844.965.1386 to complete the intake process.
Connective Winter Storm Needs Assessment
Inform non-profits about your community’s needs and advocate for resources that help strengthen the recovery process by completing the Connective 2021 Winter Storm Needs Assessment at www.connectivetx.gov/winterstorm/.
Saint Bernard Parish
Uninsured residents impacted by the winter storm may contact Saint Bernard Parish to receive home repair support, damage assessments and plumbing services. Call 346.570.4867 or email [email protected].
Houston/Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund
Text HOUSTONFREEZE to 898211 to receive funding eligiblity and criteria information regarding home repair and plumbing assistance for winter storm impacted homes. For more information, visit www.winterstormrelieffund.org.
Food and Medical Assistance
SNAP recipients may contact 2-1-1 and select option 2 or visit www.hhs.texas.gov to download Form H1855 (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed Food Stamp Benefits) to receive replacement SNAP food stamp benefits. Forms can be mailed to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission P.O. Box 149027 Austin, TX 78714-9027 or faxed to 1.877.447.2839. Texans not currently receiving SNAP benefits may apply for SNAP and Medicaid at www.YourTexasBenefits.com.
Lone Star Legal Aid
Visit www.lonestarlegal.blog/ and click the Texas Winter Storm 2021 Resources link for more information about Lone Star Legal Aid services for winter storm impacted households.
Jewish Family Services
Jewish Family Services currently offer mental health services at a free or reduced cost. Visit www.jfshouston.org/services/behavioral-mental-health-services to complete the application.
Houston Food Bank
Receive referrals for utility and rental assistance, as well as assistance with purchasing groceries. Call the Houston Food Bank helpline at 832.369.9390 and submit a request for assistance from a certified navigator.
Houston Financial Empowerment Center
The Houston Financial Empowerment Center is available assist Houstonians navigate through financial hardships as a result of Winter Storm Uri. Contact a professional financial counselors completing for assistance with completing financial, housing, or disaster relief related applications and forms. These services are free, in English and Spanish, to all Houston residents that are 18 years of age and older.
Visit
https://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/2021/relief-fund-serving-most-vulnerable.html for more information.