SAN DIEGO — The deadline for San Diego flood victims to apply for FEMA aid is quickly approaching. Those impacted by the flooding must fill out the application by April 19 for any financial assistance.
"We're a long-term recovery group so we're here for the long haul," said Elizabeth Jernberg, with the Global Empowerment Mission.
She says their organization responds to disasters around the world. Jernberg is helping to run a recovery warehouse in San Diego filled with donations for those impacted by the flooding.
"We want to make sure people and families feel comfortable with us. For example, if they're undocumented they can still come and get case management," she said.
She says more than 800 San Diego families are still at hotels. Some flood victims have returned home because they have no place to go.
"When they're in their homes and not supposed to be, we're making sure they have something as simple as a cot so they're not on the ground and a barbecue so they're not cooking inside the home with exposed wires," she said.
San Diego Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, also known as VOAD, is working to make homes livable again.
"We will help do the muck outs. clean up anything wet. we will also do mold suppression first off and then it goes into different phases," said Karl Ports, vice chair of San Diego VOAD.
They're in need of drywall and insulation to rebuild houses.
FEMA announced Monday it's offering rental assistance for people that can't live in their home because of flood damage. A temporary grant is open to homeowners while their homes are being repaired. Renters are also eligible while they look for a new place to rent.
"As soon as possible don't leave it until the last day," said Maria Padron, a FEMA spokesperson.
Apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. FEMA says to submit your insurance settlement documents to FEMA for review as soon as you receive them. Learn more about the FEMA application, here.
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