Flooding victims can apply online or by phone, local disaster recovery center coming soon
The Trump administration approved requests from Gov. Andy Beshear Wednesday to add Henderson County and 23 other Kentucky counties for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance.
This approval allows flooding victims to start working one-on-one with FEMA representatives to report damages to properties and later receive funding assistance to help with the cleanup and rebuilding.
The president’s approval came a day after Henderson County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider said that he was preparing to move forward on the idea that the county wouldn’t receive any federal funding. That was based on contentious discussions occurring at the federal level about the future of FEMA and its funding.
Schneider said Thursday that U.S. Rep. James Comer spoke on the House of Representatives floor Wednesday and urged for the approval. Wednesday evening the individual assistance for the Kentucky counties came through.
The approval brought a sigh of relief from Schneider and Henderson County Office of Emergency Management Director Kenny Garrett. Both said they had started to look for other ways to help pay for the recovery efforts.
“I’m really encouraged about all of this,” Schneider said. He added his feelings had taken a 180-degree turn from Tuesday when he was disheartened about the lack of federal assistance.
Additionally, at Tuesday’s Fiscal Court meeting, magistrates approved a $1 million transfer to the general fund specifically to provide assistance to those who’ve incurred damage from flooding. That funding comes with some wrinkles as Schneider has learned that the state has specific laws regarding how county funds can be used on private property.
Still, the $1 million will remain in the general fund and ready to use, pending the money’s use is legal, the judge-executive said.
“We got that in place to find gaps to fill,” Schneider said.
Garrett said the individual assistance approval can now set in motion a plan to set up a disaster recovery center, which will be placed at the Salvation Army’s gym.
He said FEMA, Red Cross and the Small Business Administration will have tables set up so that those affected can talk to multiple agencies in one location. Local agencies, such as the United Way, the Christian Community Outreach and the Housing Authority of Henderson will also be asked to join the DRC, Garrett said, adding it will probably be in place next week.
Both Garrett and Schneider said local officials will meet with FEMA representatives Saturday to discuss the disaster recovery center as well as other needs coming from the community.
Garrett said the individual assistance approval signals a new stage in the long story of the floods of ’25.
“Now we’re in recovery mode,” he said.
Those affected by the flooding don’t have to wait, though, to meet in person with those who can help. Garrett said they can go ahead and start completing forms online or by calling FEMA reps.
The governor’s office sent information about how to get started with the application process.
According to the governor’s office, here’s how to apply:
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or other similar service, can give FEMA the number for that service.
When applying for assistance, make sure:
• You upload your documents online via the FEMA App or by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Your damaged home is your primary residence
• You haven’t received assistance for the same losses from another source, including insurance
• You are able to be reached by FEMA at the contact information you provide in the application
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal:
• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• In person at a Disaster Recovery Centers, which will open in coming days
• Or by mail or fax
This story will be updated with information as it becomes available.
