Stephan:
This is copied from the FEMA website:
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-helene/rumor-response#:~:text=Fact%3A,help%20available%20for%20different%20needs.&text=Rumor%3A%20FEMA%20is%20asking%20for%20cash%20donations%20and%20turning%20away%20volunteers
Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response
Rumor: FEMA distributes aid based on demographic characteristics.
Fact:
FEMA provides assistance to survivors regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.
October 4, 2024
Rumor: FEMA is in the process of confiscating Helene survivor property. If I apply for disaster assistance and my land is deemed unlivable, my property will be seized.
Fact:
FEMA cannot seize your property or land. Applying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land. When you apply for disaster assistance a FEMA inspector may be sent to verify the damage on your home. This is one of many factors reviewed to determine what kind of disaster assistance you may be eligible for. If the results of the inspection deem your home uninhabitable, that information is only used to determine the amount of FEMA assistance you may receive to make your home safe, sanitary and functional.
October 4, 2024
Rumor: FEMA is no longer accepting applications for housing assistance.
Fact:
FEMA is still accepting assistance applications throughout areas affected by Helene. For current application timelines, visit disasterassistance.gov. You can also see if applications are being accepted on FEMA’s state specific Helene disaster webpages; Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
October 4, 2024
Rumor: FEMA does not have enough money to provide disaster assistance for Helene.
Fact:
FEMA has enough money right now for immediate response and recovery needs. If you were affected by Helene, do not hesitate to apply for disaster assistance as there is a variety of help available for different needs.
October 3, 2024
Rumor: FEMA is asking for cash donations and turning away volunteers.
Fact:
This is false: FEMA does not ask for or generally accept any cash donations or volunteers for disaster response. We do encourage people who want to help to volunteer with or donate cash to reputable voluntary or charitable organizations. After a disaster, cash is often the best way to help as it provides the greatest flexibility for these reputable organizations working on the ground to purchase exactly what is needed.
If you encounter someone claiming to represent FEMA and asking for donations, be careful as that is likely a scam. Government employees will never solicit money.
Rumor: Funding for FEMA disaster response was diverted to support international efforts or border related issues.
Fact:
This is false. No money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA’s disaster response efforts and individual assistance is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.
October 3, 2024
Rumor: FEMA is confiscating donations for survivors.
Fact:
Rumors about FEMA turning away donations, stopping trucks or vehicles with donations, confiscating and seizing supplies often spread after a disaster. These are all false.
FEMA does not take donations and/or food from survivors or voluntary organizations. Donations of food, water, or other goods are handled by voluntary agencies who specialize in storing, sorting, cleaning, and distributing donated items.
FEMA does not conduct vehicle stops or handle road closures with armed guards — those are done by local law enforcement.
October 3, 2024
Rumor: FEMA will only provide $750 to disaster survivors to support their recovery.
Fact:
This is false.
This is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply, called Serious Needs Assistance. It is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify for to receive and Serious Needs Assistance is an initial payment you may receive while FEMA assesses your eligibility for additional funds. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application and what you qualify for, contact us at 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative in your language.
And you do know where these lies are originating, don’t you? It’s from conservative sources who are using immigrants as a cudgel to get Republicans elected. They just hate anyone who isn’t white and Christian and they make up lie after lie! That’s why we need an honest, democracy-loving SCOTUS to go after media that makes up these lies that divide America and put migrants in harm’s way. The First Amendment never intended the media to lie to people. It’s our source of information and lies and misinformation harms Americans—in many ways. When are we ever going to get an honest, America-loving Constitutionally motivated SCOTUS again that will actually protect Americans from these lies?
I don’t know how true it is but I read a news article stating that the hardline conservatives in Congress will not be providing additional funding for FEMA. This decision follows Trump’s suggestion that it might enable the Democrats to “buy votes” in the upcoming November elections. The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, has stated that there are no plans to allocate any funds, suggesting instead that FEMA should redirect money from the immigration crisis to aid flood victims. With many politicians focused on campaigning rather than governing, this comes at an unfortunate time for the people of North Carolina. However, it will benefit the Republicans if those in need of government assistance become frustrated by the lack of support from the Biden administration during the election period. Those in charge might be wise to consider a lot of temporary work permits as many hands will be needed to cleanup and rebuild.