|
Important Resources impacted residents should know about
| |
|
FEMA and SBA are working to support residents and businesses impacted by the storm in their recovery process with new benefits and streamlined assistance. Read below to learn to access assistance:
HOW YOU MAY GET HELP:
- You apply during the first 30 days after a disaster is declared.
- FEMA can confirm your identity.
- You live in your home most of the year.
- You or someone in your home is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen.
- FEMA confirms the disaster damage from an inspection or documents you send.
- You tell FEMA on your application that you are displaced, need shelter, or have other emergency costs due to the disaster.
HOW TO GET HELP
- VISIT: DisasterAssistance.gov
- CALL: 800-621-3362 (6 a.m.-10 p.m. CDT)
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER APPLYING FOR FEMA:
- FEMA calls may come from unfamiliar area codes. Answering the call is essential to avoid delaying your application.
- If you receive a call from someone saying they are a FEMA representative but you aren’t sure, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify the caller’s identity.
- A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe. If an inspection cannot be scheduled, that may delay FEMA’s application review.
-
Do not get scammed. An inspector must show a FEMA photo ID and the application number. FEMA representatives will NEVER ask for money.
| |
|
Storm debris cleanup has begun, and we ask residents to be patient as the areas most impacted will be prioritized first, and the process is expected to take weeks.
During this time, affected residents must begin separating their debris and placing it on the curbside. Storm debris includes trees, limbs, and shrugs that went down in the storm. For more information on how to separate your debris, click here.
| |
Where to get FEMA support in Precinct 2
Our Leon Z Grayson Community Center is open as a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, where residents can access support from FEMA representatives. The center will be open until further notice.
| |
Support for businesses impacted by the storm
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance is now available for businesses impacted by recent storms.
SBA customer service representatives are available at the following centers to answer questions about the SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and guide customers through completing an electronic loan application. No appointment is necessary.
For more information, visit
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.
SBA RECOVERY CENTERS NOW OPEN IN HARRIS COUNTY
| |
This month we recognized Public Works Week, highlighting the men and women working year-round to serve our community. Our Public Works team is always ready to respond, putting in long hours and braving weather conditions and challenging circumstances to provide essential services to our residents. | | |
|
The recent storm is an example of the team's commitment to serving the community. The team quickly mobilized to remove fallen trees and make roads safer. Our crews cleared out 125 trees and responded to more than 200 storm-related service requests from residents, which are still ongoing. | |
This month, we marked the 47th anniversary of the senseless murder of Joe Campos Torres by officers of the Houston Police Department. This incident shook the region, sparking a social movement for police accountability and seeking justice for the Campos Torres family. | |
In honor of Joe Campos Torres, we highlighted the Joe Campos Torres Plaza, which honors him and shares his story and impact. To learn more about the impact of his life and death, click here. | |
New detention basin to help reduce flooding
| |
This month, we celebrated the completion of the South Shaver Stormwater Detention Basin! Through collaborative efforts with the Harris County Flood Control District and Precinct 2, the basin will help prevent flooding in the community, which has been impacted by storms before. | |
The new basin has the capacity to hold 136 million gallons of water. The $9.9 million upgrades also include a new access road to Milstead Middle School from Hartsook Street, which will benefit the community during future events. Our future plans include adding scenic hike and bike trails around the basin to provide families with an area to enjoy. | |
Prioritizing Public Safety | |
|
HCSO CORE Program:
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office CORE Telehealth program connects licensed crisis clinicians with law enforcement officers in the field to assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Using iPads allows officers to stay connected with these professionals anytime, enhancing their response and support for those in need.
Harris County Early Childhood Resiliency Fund:
Commissioner's Court has allocated $6.2 million, made possible by President Biden's American Rescue Plan, to the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council to help the Domestic Violence Resiliency Fund, enhancing support for individuals facing domestic violence. This initiative will provide counseling and therapy for children impacted by domestic violence.
| |
|
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The most rewarding aspect of my job is serving the Precinct 2 community. Each day brings new challenges that allow me to make a positive impact on residents' lives....READ MORE
Q: What does Public Works mean to you? Do you have a story that you would like to share for Public Works Week?
A: To me, Public Works embodies the hands-on approach to serving constituents and ensuring their safety. As an engineer, I've always valued the tangible impact of our efforts...READ MORE
| |
|
In the last month, Commissioner Garcia led or voted in favor of the following items:
| |
|
Homestead Exemption : Commissioner Garcia proposed raising the senior and disabled homestead exemption to $320,000. Qualifying senior or disabled homeowners with a home appraised at the median/average value will owe nothing in county property taxes.
Solar For All: Solar For All: Commissioner Garcia made the motion officially acknowledge a $250 million Solar for All grant Harris County is receiving that will enable the county to use county-owned land for community solar projects.
| |
|
Resolutions
Honoring the life of fallen HCSO Deputy John Coddou: The Commissioner's Court passed a resolution to honor Deputy John Coddou, a 20-year law enforcement veteran who tragically died in the line of duty while assisting at a crash scene. Deputy Coddou's bravery and dedication to serving his community will always be remembered.
National Nurses Day and Week: Commissioner Garcia passed a resolution recognizing May 6th as National Nurses Day and May 6-12 as National Nurses Week for their hard work and dedication in helping to keep us healthy and safe. Commissioner Garcia wanted to highlight Nurses Week to raise awareness about the challenges nurses face, including the shortage of educational opportunities and the need to protect nurses from workplace violence.
| |
Tip of the month: Reporting Scams | |
|
We encourage residents to report price gouging and scams as storm cleanup continues. It is illegal for a company to sell or lease necessities at an excessive price during a state of emergency. If you encounter suspicious pricing or fraudulent services, report it immediately to the Office of the Harris County Attorney. For more information on reporting price gouging and scams, visit the Office of the Harris County Attorney.
To report price gauging or scams, call (346) 354-7459 or click here.
Email: ConsumerHelp@harriscountytx.gov
| |
| | | |
