January 18, 2024
Mayor Hopkins Announces Assistance Opportunities For Residents Affected by Severe Storms, Flooding
CRANSTON – Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins announced today that residents impacted by severe storms in September are now eligible to apply for federal assistance.
“The damage caused by these severe storms has been devastating, and we understand these have been difficult times for many community members,” Mayor Hopkins said. “However, we want to assure residents that we are committed to helping them through this challenging period.”
Residents affected by severe storm and flooding events from September 10 to 13, 2023, may be eligible for recently approved assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Starting today, Thursday, January 28, Mayor Hopkins announced a Mobile Registration Intake Center (MRIC) to help residents in person with registration, application updates and inquiries is open at the Cranston public library at 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston. The center is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Sunday. The center is open until Wednesday, January 24, to all Rhode Island residents affected by the September storms.
“FEMA and SBA offer a range of programs to help individuals and businesses recover from natural disasters, including grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance,” Mayor Hopkins said.
In addition to stopping by the clinic at the library, individuals and business owners affected by the September storms can begin applying for assistance now by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA smartphone APP.
Assistance opportunities include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of disaster. Through the SBA, disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.
Hopkins met with Senator Jack Reed this past week to expedite the process for federal assistance in conjunction with state efforts related to the December and January storm events. The City of Cranston, in working with Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) and FEMA, is requesting residents affected by the December and January storms to complete damage assessment forms linked below or at https://www.cranstonri.gov/storm-damage-assessment-forms/.
“Completing these forms will help our neighbors and community recover as quickly as possible,” Mayor Hopkins said. “Submitting this information is essential to assist the State in determining whether to pursue Federal reimbursement.”
December 17 - 19, 2023 - Damage Assessment Form
Individuals and Business owners who sustained losses and/or damages from the Severe Weather event from December 17 - 19, 2023 may complete an initial damage assessment form linked below:
January 9 – 11, 2024 - Damage Assessment Form
Individuals and Business owners who sustained losses and/or damages from the Severe Weather event from January 9 - 11, 2024 may complete a second damage assessment form found here:
“We are proud of the way that our community has rallied to support each other emotionally during this difficult time, and we will continue to work together to support those in need,” Mayor Hopkins said to residents. “Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We are here for you, and we will get through this together.”