FEMA Releases Additional Funds for Post-Hurricane Mold Remediation
IMAGE COURTESY OF U.S. DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEMA announced over $169 million in additional assistance has been provided for mold remediation. The increase is due to a policy update that expanded home repair assistance to specifically address applicants with remediating disaster-caused mold growth. Because of the policy update, more than 111,000 additional applicants have been able to get assistance.
The agency implemented these policy changes in August 2021 to help simplify the disaster assistance process and increase equity and accessibility for all disaster survivors. Prior to the policy change, eligible applicants were able to receive assistance to clean and sanitize water-damaged property to prevent mold growth, but those funds weren’t provided for mold remediation from the disaster.
“Flooding can lead to dangerous mold growth, creating challenges for residents to remain in their homes after a disaster and putting their health and safety at risk,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “By expanding home repair assistance so all residents, including those from low-income and underserved communities, can better access this critical resource, FEMA is putting people first and reducing the likelihood of additional damage to affected homes.”
As a result of this initiative, more than $17 million in mold remediation assistance has gone to homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian and more than $3.5 million to those impacted by Hurricane Fiona.
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