Hurricane Helene

Major Disaster Declaration for Individual & Public Assistance

The Major Disaster Declaration provides Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Categories A and B) to Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Lowndes, McDuffie, Montgomery, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Washington, and Wheeler Counties. 

The Declaration also provides Individual Assistance only to: Bryan, Butts, Camden, Charlton, Elbert, Glynn, Long, Newton, Rabun and Wayne Counties.

Individual Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, immediate housing and food needs, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene. 

Public Assistance programs available in the Major Disaster Declaration are currently limited to assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Eligible applicants include state and local government entities and qualified non-profit (PNP) organizations.  

There are several ways to apply: 

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA App 
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

For more information on which counties are declared, please visit GEMA/HS Press Release page.

FEMA & SBA Disaster Recovery and Business Recovery Centers

In response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have established Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) across the state to assist individuals and businesses in their recovery efforts. These centers provide guidance on applying for disaster assistance, including both Individual Assistance (FEMA) and Business Loans (SBA).

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)

Individuals impacted by the disaster can visit the following DRC locations for assistance:

Lowndes County
4434 Forrest Street Extension, Valdosta, GA 31605

• Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Coffee County
The Atrium, 114 N. Peterson Ave., Douglas, GA 31533

• Opening on Friday, October 11, 2024
• Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Richmond County
HUB for Community Innovation, 631 Chafee Ave., Augusta, GA 30904

• Opening on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 1 p.m.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Business Recovery Centers (BRCs)

Business owners and individuals can apply for both SBA disaster loans and FEMA Individual Assistance at the following BRC locations:

Lowndes County
Turner Center for the Arts, 601 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA 31601

• Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sunday: Closed

Richmond County
3626 Walton Way Extension, Suite 1, Augusta, GA 30909

• Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sunday: Closed

For more information on how to apply for disaster assistance, visit FEMA.gov or contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at SBA.gov.

Sheltering and Feeding Locations

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has opened shelters in several hurricane-stricken areas. To view the listing, click here.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has established several sites in various hurricane-stricken areas today, offering meals to those in need. Please click here to view the listing.

Points of Distribution (PODs)

Several points of distribution have been established throughout the state. Individuals in the affected areas are encouraged to come to pick up essential items. The following list will be continuously updated.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits

Replacement SNAP

Georgia residents in Hurricane Helene's affected areas who received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in September can report food lost due to power outages related to the Hurricane. To report losses click here.

Report Damages

Should you have damages to your home, business, or any other property, it's important to report them promptly. You can do so by visiting https://damage-assessment-gema-soc.hub.arcgis.com/ and selecting the Report Damage button. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code provided for hassle-free reporting.

Crisis Cleanup

Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative disaster work order management platform that improves coordination, reduces duplication of efforts, improves efficiency, and improves volunteers' experience.

If you need assistance cleaning damages from Hurricane Helene, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386.

Local Emergency Management Agencies

If you need assistance, contact your local Emergency Management Agency. Click here to find the listing of all Georgia EMAs.

Locating Loved Ones

Family and friends of people in the disaster-affected areas are urged to check social network sites for information about their loved ones. They may also check in with the American Red Cross Safe and Well program at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/contact-and-locate-loved-ones.html to let family members know they are safe or looking for loved ones.

Donations 

Monetary

If you'd like to contribute financially to support the individuals in Georgia impacted by Hurricane Helene, we have compiled a list of counties where your donations will be greatly appreciated.

Non-Perishable Items

For organizations and agencies that are interested in providing in-kind donations in response to Hurricane Helene, click https://forms.office.com/g/fih30v8WGV and fill out the application form.   

Individual Volunteer Survey

For individuals wishing to volunteer to help in Hurricane Helene's recovery efforts, click https://forms.office.com/g/wu90BNWPhh fill out the application form and an organization will reach out to you.

Report Fraud, Waste, Abuse, or Mismanagement in Disaster Relief Operations

If you, as an applicant or state partner, have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement related to disaster relief operations, you can report it directly to FEMA or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). You may choose to request confidentiality or submit your complaint anonymously.

How to Report:

1. FEMA Fraud Branch:
   • Email: [email protected]
   • Fax: (202) 212-4926
   • Mail:
     • FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division
       400 C Street SW
       Mail Stop 3005
       Washington, DC 20472-3005