Ask A Houston Insurance Agent

Ike Helpline 713-276-3955

Feel lost somewhere between FEMA, the SBA and your insurance company? Wondering what to do after a FEMA denial letter? Not sure where you will live in the near future? The Ike Helpline, 713-276-3955 is open 8-5 Monday through Friday...
Three More Disaster Recovery Centers to Close Next Week

DRC's in Shoreacres, Pasadena and LaPorte will close Tuesday Nov. 25 - but residents can still call FEMA for assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (6632) City of Shoreacres Facility 619 Shore Acres Blvd. Shoreacres, 77062 Wal-Ma...
Tables, Beds, Chairs and Dresser Donations Requested

While many Hurricane Ike Victims are starting from scratch with no furniture, many other residents have extra furniture they are not using. The Furniture Bank of Houston is trying to bring these two types of citizens together. ...
Study Seeks Katrina Evacuees
The Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University is conducting a research study about Hurricane Katrina survivors who have diabetes or are disabled. The criteria are: - do you have diabetes? - do y...
Additional Assistance with the SBA Process
For assistance with Small Business Administration (SBA) loan packets, you can call 1-800-659-2955 or visit a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) for face-to-face help. DLOCs are open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ...
Navigate FEMA with Online Video Assistance
The Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA) has produced a 12-minute video on how to register for disaster assistance through FEMA. You can view the video,at http://www.hchatexas.org/. HCHA is a governmental non-profit corpora...
Do You Need Help Locating Your Pet?

Houston SPCA's Hurricane Ike rescue and recovery mission began before the storm hit, by evacuating animals from coastal shelters to safety. After the storm, the organization rescued, saved and sheltered more than 1,800 storm pets, fed and shel...
Free Legal Clinics Open This Week
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is hosting free weekly legal aid clinics for families and individuals who need assistance with Ike-related issues, but cannot afford an attorney. LSLA clinics will address public benefits problems, home repair s...
Ike Relief Fund Facts and Figures
Hurricane Ike Relief Fund Fast Facts: Houston Mayor Bill White established the fund for unmet needs in Harris, Galveston and other affected counties Singer Neil Diamond has pledged proceeds from souvenir and concert sales. So fa...
College Students Affected by Ike Receive Financial Boost
Lone Star College students and employees impacted by Hurricane Ike have received a helping hand from the Lone Star College Foundation. The Foundation has awarded grants to those with the greatest need. Donations are still being accepted online or by ...
SBA Seeking Loan Application Recipients
Don't let the name fool you: Small Business Administration loans are for homeowners as well. As of Nov. 18, SBA has approved nearly $270 million in loans to homeowners affected by Hurricane Ike. Another $35 million has bee...
Help With Storm Debris Removal Nov. 22/29
The City of Houston is launching a program called "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" to assist elderly and physically challenged residents remove Hurricane Ike debris from their backyards to the curb. The program is seeking voluntee...
Heavy Trash Schedule Resumes Dec. 1
Normal heavy trash schedule resumes Monday Dec. 1. Residents are encouraged to have storm debris at the curb prior to Nov. 19. For debris removal questions, call 1-800-207-2325. For new developments, visit www.houst...
Free Legal Advice Clinic Dec. 6

Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program There will be a free legal advice clinic 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Saturday Dec. 6, 2008. Volunteer attorneys will provide 10 to 15 minutes of free legal help to qualifying low income f...
Unemployment Insurance Deadline Extended
The deadline to apply for benefits through the Texas Workforce Commission has been extended to Dec.12, 2008. You may qualify for benefits following Hurricane Ike, if you: · ...
FEMA Registration Deadline Extended
You now have until Dec. 12 to submit applications for assistance to FEMA and/or SBA (Small Business Administration). FEMA strongly encourages individuals who receive an SBA application complete the form and return it, even ...
Transitional Sheltering Assistance Extended
The Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program has been extended for eligible applicants until Jan. 15, 2009. TSA provides short-term, transitional sheltering by directly paying hotels and motels for evacuees lodging costs. This ...
Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP)

What is DHAP-IKE? The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a temporary housing assistance program to help Texans displaced by Hurricane Ike. The program begins Nov.1. FEMA has already given HUD the names of more tha...
DHAP-Ike Step by Step
Texans who were displaced by Hurricane Ike and believe they are eligible for assistance must register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or online at www.FEMA.gov, no later than Dec. 12. FEMA will determine individual...
Don't Deny Yourself FEMA Benefits Due To Insurance Coverage
Having insurance is not a reason to be denied FEMA assistance, but it can be an obstacle. For example, if you answer "yes" to the question; "Do you have insurance coverage?" FEMA will not inspect your pro...
FEMA Denial Not Always Permanent
If you are the head of a household and your home or apartment is not currently liveable, don't give up, even if you've received a FEMA denial letter. Denials often occur as a result of a lack of information or a ...
You Have 60 Days to Appeal a FEMA Decision

It may be that you have received a FEMA denial letter or you believe that the assistance provided by FEMA is not enough. A lack of information is often the simple explanation. Typical reasons include questions raised regarding: Pr...
FEMA May Audit, So Save Those Receipts

It's very important to save all of your receipts relating to disaster spending, whether or not you have yet been approved for FEMA or SBA funding. When it comes to FEMA grants, keep receipts for at least THR...
Financial Assistance for Renters
Texas renters who suffered damage to their residences from Hurricane Ike may be eligible for disaster assistance. Federal grants to rent a place to live may be available for renters whose primary residence requires repairs to make it habitable. Eligi...