SANFORD, Fla. — In the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton, FEMA representatives are on the ground in Sanford, assisting residents in applying for disaster relief. The pop-up assistance site, located at the Velma Williams Westside Community Center, will continue to operate on Tuesday to help homeowners and property owners navigate the application process.

What You Need To Know

  • FEMA is assisting residents in Sanford affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with representatives on-site to help with disaster relief applications

  • A temporary FEMA assistance site has been set up at the Velma Williams Westside Community Center

  • FEMA advises residents to carefully review denial letters, as incomplete applications may result in denials, which can often be corrected

Sara Zuckerman, FEMA media relations specialist, explained that FEMA teams were already in place as Hurricane Milton made landfall, with many still on the ground from the response to Hurricane Helene. “We try to get out there and do recovery as quickly as possible. That’s the phase we’re in right now,” Zuckerman stated.

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are canvassing neighborhoods affected by the storms, providing vital assistance to those who have reported damage. According to Zuckerman, FEMA was alerted to the needs in Sanford by local city officials, allowing the organization to establish the temporary location to expedite recovery efforts.

“We have two different types of teams that go out,” Zuckerman explained. “Our Disaster Recovery Centers are facilities open for extended periods, while our Disaster Survivor Assistance teams canvass communities. When they’re not canvassing, they may be at a pop-up location like this one.”

FEMA staff at the community center are walking residents through the application process, ensuring they have the necessary documentation. Zuckerman highlighted the importance of carefully reviewing any FEMA denial letters, as the reason for denial may often be something as simple as missing information.

“Sometimes it could be something small that you’re missing in your application that could change your eligibility status,” she advised.

FEMA teams will be available at the Velma Williams Westside Community Center again on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for residents seeking assistance.