Federal Disaster Relief
President Biden has officially issued a major disaster declaration, bolstering emergency response and recovery efforts from the recent storms. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare, and Tuolumne.
The easiest and fastest way to apply for assistance is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling 1-800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.
Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov
My team and I have been working around the clock with local, state, and federal partners to secure the assistance you may need. Check out the disaster relief and resources available below:
Individual Assistance
FEMA Individuals and Households Program
FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. (Learn more)
Disaster Distress Helpline
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. (Services also available en Español)
Disaster Nutrition Assistance
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income households with food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster. You may apply for benefits HERE or contact your local office for more information.
If you need additional assistance with getting food immediately, call 211 or visit the 211 Tulare County website.
Disaster Legal Services
Disaster Legal Services provide legal aid to survivors affected by a presidentially declared major disaster. Learn more about Disaster Legal Services by clicking HERE.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster and who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.To file a claim, individuals who are unemployed as a direct result of the disaster may apply HERE.
State and Federal Taxes filing deadlines for Victims of Winter Storms
Following the disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, both the state and federal tax filing and payment deadlines have been extended until October 16, 2023 for individuals and households affected by severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides that reside or have a business in Fresno and Tulare counties. (Learn more)
Federal Assistance for Small Businesses
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance
SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster. (Learn more)
Federal Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers in the Valley
USDA offers a variety of programs to help farmers, and ranchers including farm loans, crop insurance, livestock assistance, and recovery support to deal with farmland damage and crop losses.
Visit Farmers.gov for additional USDA programs that can help agricultural producers recover. (Sign up to receive Disaster Assistance Program email updates)
Reporting Farm Damages in Fresno and Tulare Counties:
If you have suffered property loss due to the recent winter storm activity, make sure to report these damages.
Fresno County: Fill out this form and submit to AgDisaster@fresnocountyca.gov
Tulare County: Fill out and submit the form HERE.
Emergency Assistance and Shelter for Pets/Animals
The Tulare County Fairgrounds serves as an evacuation center and providing emergency shelter to livestock including sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, rabbits, etc. Animals can be checked-in between 8:00AM to 7:00PM. Click HERE if you’re interested in seeking shelter for your animals.
The Fresno Fairgrounds is open to sheltering large livestock animals for residents that are being impacted by the recent storms. Animals can be checked-in between 8:00AM to 4:00PM. Click HERE if you’re interested in seeking shelter for your animals.
Public Assistance for Local & State Governments, Tribes, and Non-Profit Organizations
FEMA Public Assistance for Private Non-Profits and Governments
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. This includes debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to public infrastructure. (Learn more)
Hazard Mitigation Assistance
Assistance to State, Tribal, and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
Emergency Shelters in the Area
Dinuba Memorial Hall: 249 S. Alta Ave, Dinuba, CA 93618
Exeter Veterans Memorial Building: 234 N. Kaweah Ave, Exeter, CA 93221
Ivanhoe Memorial Hall: 33209 Hawthorne Road, Ivanhoe, CA 93235
Porterville College Gym: 100 E. College Ave, Porterville, CA 93257
Sanger Community Center: 730 Recreation Ave, Sanger, CA 93657
Sandbag Locations:
Additional State and Local Resources:
See full list of resources and relief provided at the state and local level.
See full list of additional resources at the federal level.