Disaster Assistance
The residents of Florida continue to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, which destroyed their homes, businesses, and other property; injured and killed many people; and left thousands homeless.

Do you, or someone you know, live an area declared a disaster by the President? If so, you may be eligible for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). GovBenefits is highlighting a few of the resources available to provide disaster assistance.

Disaster Housing Program
The Disaster Housing Program provides housing assistance in the form of a grant to individuals whose homes sustained damage as a result of a Presidentially declared disaster. To qualify for assistance, the damaged home must be your primary residence, and be located in the disaster-declared area. If insured, a claim should be filed. This program provides grants for lodging expense reimbursement, minimal home repairs, rental assistance and Mortgage and Rental Assistance. A determination of the types of housing assistance you are eligible to receive will be made if you apply. For further information visit http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits/benefits/report.jhtml?dispatch=browse&bid=430

Individual and Family Grants for Disaster Victims
The Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG) provides money for the necessary expenses of disaster victims, which cannot be met through other forms of disaster assistance, including insurance. For further information visit http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits/benefits/report.jhtml?dispatch=browse&bid=436

Rural Disaster Housing Assistance
To assist qualified lower income rural families to meet emergency assistance needs resulting from natural disaster to buy, build, rehabilitate, or improve dwellings in rural areas. Funds are only available to the extent that funds are not provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For the purpose of administering these funds, natural disaster will only include those areas identified by a Presidential declaration. For further information visit http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits/benefits/report.jhtml?dispatch=browse&bid=390

Additional news, information and disaster assistance about the latest hurricanes and storms may be found by visiting the FEMA web site at www.fema.gov or the DisasterHelp website at www.disasterhelp.gov.

The American Red Cross has set up shelters, is providing food and water and is assisting in the location of family members in these communities. To find out how you can help after Hurricane Charley visit the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.