Carolyn V. Torsell
Information Research Specialist
This report summarizes federal disaster assistance programs for use by Members of Congress and their staff as they address the needs of their states, communities, and constituents. A number of federal agencies provide assistance to individual victims, such as state, territorial, and local governments and non-governmental entities following a disaster. The federal forms of assistance include grants, loans, loan guarantees, temporary housing, and counseling.
The programs summarized in this report fall into two broad categories. First are programs for disaster situations; most of these programs are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Second are general assistance programs that may be used in either disaster situations, or to meet regular service needs. Many federal agencies, including the Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Justice, administer programs that may be included in the second category.
The programs in this report are primarily organized by recipient: individuals, state and local governments, or businesses. These programs address short-term needs such as food and shelter, and long-term needs such as repair of public utilities.
This report includes a list of CRS reports on disaster assistance as well as relevant federal agency websites that provide information on disaster responses, updates on recovery efforts, and resources on federal assistance programs.
Date of Report: August 10, 2012
Number of Pages: 17
Order Number: RL31734
Price: $29.95
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