ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — FEMA is currently facing significant challenges as they work to support our community in the aftermath of the recent natural disaster.
St. Lucie County has a limited number of FEMA workers assisting individuals with their applications for aid, and they are aiming to increase their workforce to better serve the community.
However, the shortage of FEMA workers is posing a major obstacle in providing support to the numerous homeowners in need.
Region St Lucie County
At least 150 homes destroyed in unincorporated St. Lucie County from Milton
The damage in the Holiday Pines neighborhood and other areas within our viewing area is extensive, highlighting the urgent need for additional assistance. Despite the strain on FEMA's resources due to the widespread impact of Hurricane Helene in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, St. Lucie County is actively working to address the situation.
St. Lucie County is currently offering resources at the Fenn Center. Although a FEMA-run Disaster Recovery Center is on the horizon, the immediate focus is on recruiting more FEMA workers to meet the current demand for aid.
In the meantime, FEMA has mobilized surge teams comprising federal workers from various agencies who have volunteered to assist in connecting people with crucial resources. St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry expressed gratitude for the support received from FEMA and emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance their relief operations.
For individuals with damage, FEMA advises reaching out to their insurance provider as a first step. Additionally, FEMA offers various forms of assistance, including a one-time payment of $770 for those who qualify for disaster aid, housing grants and low-interest loans.
Those seeking further information can visit disasterassistance.gov.
It's worth noting that staff from US Rep. Brian Mast and Sen. Marco Rubio's offices have been trained to provide assistance with FEMA relief and have been deployed to rural parts of St. Lucie County to expedite the aid process.
