LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Three months have passed since severe storms struck western Kentucky in late May, but residents can still get aid.
Over the last three months, Rossyveth Rey has covered a lot of ground, with no letup in sight. Rey, a public information officer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has spent weeks and months at a time in areas hit by the storms.
Rey is tending to 11 Western Kentucky counties struck by storms between May 21-27, 2024. She said there may still be families who haven't yet connected with FEMA. President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster declaration request for the state July 24.
“If for any reason, your home is not secure … there is a special program for you; we support you with funds,” Rey said.
FEMA can help reimburse Kentuckians for money spent on temporary lodging if their home was damaged by tornadoes, straight-line winds or flooding. There is also money available to help replace or rebuild items like walls, floors and windows. Payments top out at $35,000.
“It depends, case to case, but we can make exceptions,” Rey said.
Several tornadoes tore across western Kentucky May 26, including an EF-3 twister that levied heavy damage to homes and property in Hopkins County and surrounding areas along or near I-69. The path of an EF-2 tornado caused damage in Christian County, south of Hopkinsville.
Angel Class of the U.S. Small Business Administration works in partnership with FEMA and helps fill in the gaps of recovery costs with low-interest government loans.
“Let’s say you’re a renter and you’re in a property; you lost everything," Class said. "Well, go to SBA, apply with SBA and we may be able to help you with a low-interest loan to replace all those goods, those contents that you lost."
The SBA also has loans available to homeowners, businesses and nonprofits. However, those looking to get lined up with the SBA must start by connecting with FEMA.
“The first thing you have to do is apply with FEMA," Class said. "I cannot make that more clear."
Despite months having passed, Rey and Class are still on the ground with no departure date on the books. Affected residents can still apply for help.
“To be honest, every storm is different, and every storm you are impacted," Class said. "Why? Because you are dealing with human capital. You’re dealing with people, and when you see people are suffering, you will always go back to the first time you’ve seen a disaster."
There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance, including online at DisasterAssistance.gov or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.