Thousands of Homeowners Seek Federal Flood Aid

April 6, 2010 - Providence - Thousands of homeowners and businesses are hoping for assistance from the federal government after their communities were devastated by the recent flood. According to reports at The Boston Herald, more than 10,000 homeowners in Rhode Island have applied for assistance.

The number is lower in Massachusetts, where many residents escaped the severe flood damage seen in Rhode Island. Approximately 3,500 Massachusetts homeowners have applied for aid related to the flooding.

Assistance after a flood can take several forms. Most homeowners seek assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, while businesses apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The problem many flood victims are reporting, however, is that they need grants instead of loans in order to survive this latest round of flooding. Grants do not need to be paid back, while loans do. Some grants are available for home repairs, but most assistance comes in the form of low-interest loans.

Residents in the affected counties can begin the process of applying for flood aid by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. Those with Internet access can sign up at FEMA.gov.