Federal Disaster Recovery Programs: Brief Summaries

Publication Date: January 2009

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

This report summarizes principal federal disaster assistance programs for possible use by Members of Congress and their staff in helping address the needs of constituents. A number of federal agencies provide assistance to individual victims; state, territorial, and local governments; and non-governmental entities following a disaster. Among other forms of assistance, federal programs can provide grants, loans, loan guarantees, temporary housing, and counseling.

The programs summarized in this report fall into two broad categories. First are programs specifically 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 disaster situations, as well as 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 brought to bear under certain circumstances.

The programs may also be classified by recipients: primarily individuals, state and local governments, or businesses. These programs address such short-term needs as food and shelter, and such long-term needs as repair of public utilities.

This report includes a list of CRS reports about disaster assistance and assistance for victims of recent hurricanes. It also includes a list of federal agencies' websites established specifically to respond to disasters, offering updates on recovery efforts, and providing a catalog of federal assistance programs.

This report will be updated as significant legislative or administrative changes occur.