With the worst effects of Storm Ernesto in Puerto Rico behind them, many of those living in the hardest-hit areas are asking an urgent question: How can they recover their losses?

During a press conference held last Thursday, August 15, in Ceiba, the Secretary of the Department of Housing, William Rodríguez, provided the following response: “If any family has suffered damage, particularly if their roof was blown off, if their home was wooden, flooded, or located in a flood-prone area, we have a mitigation program for single-family homes through the CDBG-MIT funds. This program already exists. It has contractors ready to make repairs, rebuild, or relocate if necessary. It’s available now. You can contact the Department of Housing or call 1-833-234-2324.”

Governor Pedro Pierluisi, also present at the conference, added: “When it comes to financial assistance, it’s usually the mayors who provide it, but we have the Government Emergency Fund available. There’s a process to follow to request support from the emergency fund, but the Office of Management and Budget is on standby. I should also mention that the Emergency Management Bureau, through its hubs, can help people facing some sort of need. So, assistance can be coordinated either by municipalities or by Emergency Management when it’s beyond just housing issues.”

Currently, FEMA has only authorized funds for protective measures. No funds have been approved for debris removal or repairs.

The non-profit organization Ayuda Legal Puerto Rico has initiated a public education effort regarding the Emergency Declaration made by U.S. President Joseph Biden on Wednesday, August 13. This declaration authorizes the use of FEMA and other federal agency funds to address the emergency but does not authorize funds for Individual Assistance to families directly affected by the rains.

As a result of the Emergency Declaration, all municipalities have been designated as emergency areas and are eligible to receive Public Assistance funds. However, the assistance covering damages to homes and people affected by the emergency is not included in this; that would require Individual Assistance. In other words, this Emergency Declaration does not make Individual Assistance available.

People who have suffered damage to their homes or properties can check with their municipality to see if any local assistance programs are available.

In short, the public assistance authorized by FEMA currently goes directly to the municipalities, not individuals. The funds can be used for certain public benefits such as search and rescue teams and temporary generators, if needed.

If a Major Disaster Declaration is issued, affected individuals who file claims could receive up to $750 in Individual Assistance for essential items like food, water, baby formula, and other emergency supplies.

To secure a Major Disaster Declaration, the following criteria must be met:

A confirmation that the Governor has taken appropriate actions and led the implementation of the state emergency plan.

• A confirmation that the Governor has taken appropriate actions and led the implementation of the state emergency plan.

• An estimate of the extent and severity of damages in both the public and private sectors.

• A description of state and local government efforts and the resources used to mitigate the disaster.

• Preliminary estimates of the type and amount of assistance needed under the Stafford Act.

• A certification from the Governor that the territory and local entities will comply with all applicable cost-sharing requirements.