Deadline approaching for Helene emergency housing program
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency say the application period for the Housing Emergency Assistance and Recovery Through Sheltering program will close soon.
Applications will officially close at 11:59 p.m. on June 15.
While new applications will no longer be accepted after that date, the program says it will continue to assist approved participants through September 2025.
The HEARTS Georgia program was established in response to the historic damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
“As a state-run, first-of-its-kind initiative, the program provided temporary, non-congregate sheltering options including hotels, motels, travel trailers, and RVs, for survivors whose primary residences were significantly damaged, destroyed, or deemed uninhabitable,” GEMA stated in a press release.
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The program serves individuals in the 61 counties that were federally declared by FEMA’s Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs.
GEMA says that HEARTS Georgia was designed to bridge the gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing, helping Georgians take the next step toward long-term recovery.
“HEARTS Georgia was built to meet people where they are,” said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. “We know how tough it’s been for families across the state since Hurricane Helene hit, and this program has helped many find a safe place to land while they figure out their next steps. If you’re still in need, there’s still time to apply. We’re here to help you get through this and move forward.”
To qualify for HEARTS Georgia assistance, applicants must:
- Be ed with FEMA for disaster assistance.
- Reside in one of the 61 federally declared counties.
- Have a primary residence that was majorly damaged, destroyed, or deemed uninhabitable.
- Agree to comply with all program rules and requirements.
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Eligible residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at gema.georgia.gov/hearts-georgia.
For questions or assistance, the HEARTS Georgia Program Center at 833-575-4411 or email the GEMA/HS Community Recovery Department at [email protected].
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