In a decisive move to support flood-stricken residents, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors extended the Emergency Temporary Lodging Program, as reported by County News Center. Originally rolled out post-storm on February 10, the emergency measure has brought 840 families to safer grounds, affording them refuge from the deluge that upended lives back on January 22.
This latest county action proffers a lifeline to eligible flood victims, whose circumstances will undergo a thorough review by caseworkers. After the review, lodging may be extended until May 11, as families lean into the promise of additional aid orchestrated by local and federal agencies. Working directly with the county, impacted individuals will gradually pivot towards more lasting relief options.
FEMA has stepped in to further buttress the efforts of the local government, proffering Rental Assistance that shreds the red tape, potentially for up to a breezy 18 months—depending, of course, on who's asking. Victimized residents may get a firm grip on finances to cover rent or even the pesky deposits and utilities for new leases—provided, says County News Center, that they stick to using these funds exclusively for housing-related expenditures or risk losing out on further FEMA support.
For a more hands-on approach, FEMA unfurled two Disaster Recovery Centers, flanking San Diego inhabitants with federal assistance. Threading necessity with practicality, the centers are a hub for the SBA, state services, and the County of San Diego. Alongside, a Business Recovery Center opened doors in National City, courtesy of the SBA, to help flood victims apply for loans that don't break the bank and to access a suite of other resources pivotal for recovery.
If you've been slammed by the January horrors or know someone still wrestling with the aftermath, pointing your compass to AlertSanDiego.org/recovery would be a wise first step.
