CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency, known as FEMA, is opening centers across Michigan to help residents and business owners impacted by August 2023 flooding.
U.S. President Joe Biden earlier this month approved the Michigan governor’s request for a major disaster declaration in multiple counties due to damage caused by storms in late July and August 2023. During that time, storms brought strong winds and heavy rain that caused significant flooding, in addition to seven tornadoes.
The approval of the disaster declaration request means Michigan residents affected by those storms now have access to assistance through the federal government. FEMA has opened physical centers in several Michigan counties to help residents and business owners learn about and apply for assistance.
“Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration at the center can help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant and get their questions answered in person,” FEMA officials said. The centers will also be able to assist people who speak other languages, including American Sign Language.
Here’s where to find a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Michigan
Wayne County
- Gibraltar: Gibraltar City Hall (29450 Munro Street).
- Canton Township: Canton Human Services Center (50430 School House Road).
- Taylor: Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus (21000 Northline Road).
Macomb County
- Chesterfield Township: Chesterfield Township Fire Station (33991 23 Mile Road).
Eaton County
- Lansing: Lansing Community College - West Campus (5708 Cornerstone Drive). This location will close on March 2.
Ingham County
- Williamston: Northeast Ingham Emergency Services Authority (1296 West Grand River Avenue). This location will close on March 2.
All FEMA centers are open from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and are closed on Sunday. However, the Taylor location will only be open until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
More centers will be opening in Michigan, officials said this week. Click here to see all active FEMA recovery centers in Michigan.
What assistance is available?
Home owners and business owners that experienced damages or other issues related to the August storms and flooding are eligible to apply for assistance. The assistance comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA for short.
However, the exact type of assistance available varies depending on the needs of the person, family or business.
For some, assistance from FEMA may come in the form of grants for temporary housing or home repairs. FEMA could also offer low-cost loans to “cover uninsured property losses,” officials said.
The FEMA assistance is meant to help people and businesses recover from the effects of the storms.
To see what kind of assistance you may qualify for, you’ll have to submit an application with the federal government online, by phone, or on the FEMA app.
Who’s eligible for assistance?
The disaster declaration was approved for the following counties:
- Eaton
- Ingham
- Ionia
- Kent
- Livingston
- Macomb
- Monroe
- Oakland
- Wayne
Residents and business owners in those counties can apply for assistance. Entire communities will also be allowed to request assistance regarding hazard mitigation measures and the like, officials said this week.
How to apply for assistance
Applications for assistance can be submitted online, over the phone, or using the FEMA app.
- Click here to begin your online application on the DisasterAssistance.gov site. From there, you will explain your needs and situation, create an account, and fill out the application to be sent to FEMA.
- To apply over the phone, call 1-800-621-3362. The FEMA helpline is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
- Click here to download the FEMA app to your device to submit your application there.