‘That’s just not true’: FEMA debunks myth that it is out of money for Helene victims

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — FEMA (Federal Emergency Response Agency) is speaking out against speculations that the emergency agency will soon run out of money to help victims of Hurricane Helene.

The federal emergency management agency as of Oct. 6, they have approved $506,325 for Individual Assistance for “individual assistance” which includes housing and other needs, and more funds will be on the way to people who qualify. George Paul, the media relations specialist with FEMA says the organization is nowhere near running out of money and encourages people to reach out to get help. “FEMA has enough funds in place to assist survivors right now with our disaster relief fund,” Paul said.

After Hurricane Helene ripped through parts of southwestern Virginia and North Carolina at the end September, relief started pouring in from organizations including the federal emergency management agency.

Paul says he is combatting misinformation that FEMA is running out of money for Helene victims, he does not know how the rumor got started but says the effects can hurt victims seeking assistance. “That’s just not true,” Paul said. “You heard someone who received x amount and then maybe you’re wondering, why didn’t I receive that? but again, you have to go into it knowing that it you know, it’s a case-by-case basis.”

According to information from FEMA as of Oct. 6 in Virgina there have been 2,423 cumulative registrations for federal assistance in several counties across the state. The funding for these registrations and more has already been approved by congress. “So, there is a budget. and right now, what we’re telling folks is that we do have enough emergency funds in place, disaster relief funds to give to survivors. if we didn’t have the money or we wouldn’t be encouraging people to apply for assistance.”

Paul says they know right now the need is great for those recovering from Helene, so there are different levels of aid, like the “serious need assistance. “The $750, that’s what is called serious needs assistance. a that is a type of assistance maybe where a person has lost everything. maybe they have limited insurance that would put essential items like food, clothes, baby formula, anything into their hands immediately.” Hurricane Helene was declared a natural disaster on October 1.

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