Latest news with #RapidRehousingProgram
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FEMA changes spark concern in Louisiana as BRIC program ends, disaster aid questioned
HOUMA, La. (Louisiana First) — As Louisiana braces for another hurricane season, concerns are rising over the future of federal emergency assistance that many residents rely on after natural disasters. Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will end the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program—a major funding source for natural disaster mitigation projects across the state. According to FEMA data, nearly 150 Louisiana applications for BRIC funds, totaling more than $720 million, have now been canceled or placed on hold. In a statement, a FEMA spokesperson called the BRIC program 'wasteful and ineffective,' claiming it was 'more concerned with political agendas than helping Americans affected by natural disasters.' The decision drew bipartisan pushback in Louisiana. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) spoke on the Senate floor for 14 minutes last week, urging FEMA to reconsider. 'I would ask FEMA to reconsider the impact cuts to the BRIC program,' Cassidy said. 'Without BRIC funding, none of these projects would happen—whether it's East Baton Rouge Parish, Ascension Parish, Lafourche Parish, or the Coushatta Tribe.' Cassidy and others argue that mitigation efforts funded through BRIC ultimately save taxpayer dollars by preventing costly disaster damage before it happens. FEMA's decision comes amid growing criticism from President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who have called the agency bloated and ineffective. 'FEMA turned out to be a disaster,' Trump said during a wildfire tour earlier this year. 'I think we're going to make FEMA go away.' Researchers predict above-average 2025 hurricane season: Here's how many storms we could see The uncertainty surrounding FEMA's future has alarmed local recovery organizations and residents who have relied on the agency after past storms. Ashley Shelton, executive director of the Power Coalition, said FEMA remains vital, despite frustrations over slow responses and red tape. 'Louisiana's done a decent job of moving these dollars, but we have to continue to have access to those dollars for them to matter,' Shelton said. She added that FEMA is working to improve its application process, which has often rejected requests due to minor errors or missing documents. Still, for residents like Pamela Zinz of Houma, FEMA has been a lifeline. After Hurricane Ida, Zinz received housing assistance through FEMA's Rapid Rehousing Program, which included help with rent and a temporary camper. 'They do help a lot of people,' Zinz said. But Zinz said the assistance ran out April 1. With costs piling up and no permanent housing yet, she and her daughter are preparing to relocate once again—while worrying about what will happen if another major storm hits. 'I thought Andrew was hard, but Ida was worse,' Zinz said. 'The government really needs to step up and do something about this.' Acting head of FEMA says his parents in Florida received denial letter The BRIC cuts are part of broader FEMA reforms pushed by the Trump administration. Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton and Secretary Noem have indicated the agency may scale back or eliminate other programs, raising new questions about how future recovery efforts will be handled. Congressional Democrats from Louisiana, including Reps. Troy Carter and Cleo Fields, have condemned the move, calling FEMA's dismantling 'reckless and dangerous.' They point to more than 500,000 Louisiana households that have applied for federal disaster funding since 2021. 'With hurricane forecasts predicting yet another active season, these proposed changes could not come at a more dangerous time,' the lawmakers wrote in a letter to federal leaders. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. What makes a storm a hurricane? The dangers across 5 categories FEMA changes spark concern in Louisiana as BRIC program ends, disaster aid questioned US may already be in recession: BlackRock CEO Bristol casino plans for first busy race weekend at permanent site REPORT: Saints QB Derek Carr's status for 2025 season now in jeopardy Baker School Board, Impact Charter agree on vacant building use Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Here's where to find assistance for The Vault apartment residents
STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV) — The Bulloch County Public Safety and Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is offering several outlets of assistance for impacted residents at The Vault apartment complex. Residents were abruptly told to move out after an independent contractor reported finding rotting wood foundations and other structural damage at the apartment complex. The City put management on notice Friday, April 4. In a Facebook post Wednesday, The Public Safety and EMA offered some support for those looking for new or temporary residency. Local assistance The Dean of Students Office is available to assist with Georgia Southern students who may be impacted by housing issues at the Vault. The Dean of Students Office can also assist students with faculty notifications and other support resources. Georgia Southern's University Housing Office is available to work with students who are looking for a place to live on campus for the remainder of the semester. Any student not wishing to live in on-campus housing, should still contact the Dean of Students Office for assistance. Apartments available Copper Beech and Cambridge have vacancies. They will allow immediate move in as soon as they complete their screenings. The Union Mission is prepared to help displaced families with income to find housing and possibly provide rent assistance for the first few months. Interested families must apply in person at their Statesboro office, located at 515 Denmark Street, Suite 1000, and provide proof of displacement and proof of income. Through their Rapid Rehousing Program, they will pay your deposit and half of your first three months' rent. You must bring the letter from The Vault and meet their financial requirements. For more questions call them at 912-238-2777 extension 1801 or 1800. Homeless shelter Open Hearts Community Mission, currently has one family room available, along with ten available beds for women and seven available beds for men. They do not accommodate couples. Interested families will need to call 912-623-2528. They prefer a phone call to appearing in person. The intake process takes about 30 minutes: a required background check via the Statesboro PD takes only about two minutes, and the application form is only one page. Free medical and mental health Statesboro Pediatrics and Family Healthcare Center, located at 1570 Brampton Avenue, Statesboro, is offering free medical and mental health care to any residents of the Vault for the month of April. Call 912-764-9196 to make an appointment. You will need to tell them you are a resident of The Vault and bring the letter to vacate from The Vault and proof that you are a resident of The Vault. Food and other resources Christian Social Ministries is available to provide resources including food. John Long, Executive Director can be reached at 912-512-0107. Veterans rehousing assistance On Thursday, April 10, starting at 9:30 a.m. the American Legion Post 90 is hosting the VA Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program (VA SSVF) program coordinators from both Augusta and Savannah at American Legion Post 90, 100 Rucker Lane to assist Veterans from The Vault Apartments with rehousing. Esther's Place is offering showers and laundry assistance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
