(ATLANTA) – Governor Brian Kemp announced that the Major Disaster Declaration for those affected by Hurricane Idalia has been amended to include, Individual Assistance for residents of Berrien and Brooks Counties, and Public Assistance for Burke, Montgomery, Toombs and Treutlen Counties.

“These communities were significantly impacted by Hurricane Idalia,” said GEMA/HS Director James Stallings. “Thanks to the hardworking damage assessment teams on the ground gathering information, Georgia was able to secure this important federal disaster assistance.”

Individual Assistance can fund both individual and family recovery efforts, which may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of Hurricane Idalia.

Public Assistance is available to state and local government entities and qualified not-for-profit organizations. It will provide financial aid for debris removal, emergency work and permanent work.

Individuals in these designated counties can apply for assistance in any of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Calling 800-621-3362

For more information on the Major Disaster Declaration or Public Assistance, please email [email protected], and for Individual Assistance, email [email protected].

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.