FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Days after President Joe Biden signed the Florida Disaster Declaration, flood victims in Broward County are now getting the help they need from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Gus Aubut saw his home flooded due to the torrential rains in early April.
“Almost everybody in this neighborhood, they moved out,” he said. “I mean, they had three or four feet of water in their house.”
Some neighbors felt left behind as they helped one another.
“I lost everything,” said Nelly Contrara. “Somebody give me– my neighbor, they give me food. I have nothing.”
Dane Tullock, whose house was flooded, said, “It’s hard to believe it’s been three weeks. It’s been an interesting ride between the challenges with the city and FEMA finally being called up.”
Two disaster recovery teams from the federal agency were on the ground on Monday as they canvassed neighborhoods in Edgewood and Melrose Park.
Crews brought crucial information to residents on how to apply for assistance. Some even walked people through the process.
“Our teams have iPads with them, so if we meet someone who needs to apply, they can enter the information very quickly and send it to FEMA right away, and people will be considered for assistance,” said John Mills with FEMA.
Funds are now available to those with and without flood insurance.
“We’re trying to help survivors jump-start recovery to provide a hand up, some money directly to them so they can be covered,” Mills said.
It is a relief that can’t come fast enough.
“Two days after the flood we lost somebody not because of flooding not because he got injured, but because he did not have any view of a solution for his home,” said Tullock.
The damage to Kevin Boyd’s home was extensive. He is now living in his RV that’s parked in the driveway.
His office is a shady spot in a carport.
“It’s been difficult for all the neighbors, but I think this community here is coming together and everyone is helping each other,” Boyd said.
For people who are looking for something to hold onto, help from the federal government is a big handout.
“It takes work and a lot of people don’t have the energy to do the work right now because they’re just trying to get day by day,” Tullock said.
Broward Mayor Lamar Fisher was also there to observe the agency’s crews. He is expected to speak alongside a spokesperson with FEMA on Tuesday about the progress and efforts in Fort Lauderdale around noon.
Anyone who would like to apply for FEMA assistance should click here.
Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday in a press release that he would be awarding $1.5 million to accelerate the flood recovery efforts of non-profit and faith-based organizations. These grant awards are in addition to the approval of the disaster declaration made by President Biden.
Award recipients include Team Rubicon, The Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, Feeding South Florida and The Broward Long Term Recovery Group.
“My administration is committed to providing every available resource to expedite Southeast Florida’s recovery from the extensive flooding it experienced,” said DeSantis in Monday’s press release.
DeSantis also activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for local businesses and sole proprietors in the county. To submit an application for the loan, click here.
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