ALLIANCE
OPEN AID
Aid Directory
If you have been affected by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for financial assistance, food, housing support, legal help, cleanup services, or other forms of relief. This directory brings together federal programs and nonprofit organizations that may be able to help. Some programs are available nationwide, while others operate only after specific disasters or in certain locations. Read each entry carefully to learn what the resource provides, who may qualify, and how to apply.
Important: We have done our best to ensure that the information on this page is accurate and up to date. However, program availability, eligibility requirements, and application procedures may change. Being listed here does not guarantee that you will qualify for or receive assistance. Always check the program’s official website for the latest information before applying.
Money & Essential Needs
American Red Cross Disaster Services
What it provides
The Red Cross may provide free emergency shelter, meals, water, relief supplies, health services, emotional support, help replacing urgently needed medication or medical equipment, and referrals to other recovery services. After some disasters, the Red Cross may also provide financial assistance to qualifying households.
Who can get it
People affected by a disaster can use an open Red Cross shelter or ask what emergency services are available. You do not need to wait for a federal disaster declaration.
Shelter, food, and basic emergency services are generally available without an income test. Other services may depend on your location, household needs, and the type of disaster response underway. To learn what is available, check for an open shelter or contact the Red Cross serving your area.
How to apply
Use the Red Cross shelter finder, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or contact your local Red Cross chapter. Bring identification if you can safely access it, but do not delay seeking emergency shelter because your documents were lost. For financial or household assistance, the Red Cross may ask you to confirm your identity and show that you lived in the affected area.
Important Links
Find Red Cross disaster services:
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services.html
(See what kinds of emergency and recovery assistance the Red Cross may provide.)
Find an open Red Cross shelter:
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html
(Search for open shelters and evacuation centers near you.)
Find your local Red Cross chapter:
https://www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.html
(Enter your ZIP code to find local contact information and ask what services are available in your area.)
Feeding America Food Bank Network
What it provides
Feeding America’s network of food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs provides free food to people who need it. After disasters, participating food banks may also distribute water, emergency food boxes, and other essential supplies.
Who can get it
Anyone who needs food can use Feeding America’s ZIP code search to find a nearby food bank. You do not need to wait for D-SNAP or a federal disaster declaration. Each local food pantry or distribution site may have its own hours, service area, registration process, or household requirements. Contact the local food bank before traveling if possible. This can be especially helpful while you are waiting for government benefits or if D-SNAP is not available in your area.
Important Links
How to apply
Enter your ZIP code in Feeding America’s food finder. The local food bank can tell you where and when food is being distributed. Some locations may ask for identification, proof of address, or basic household information. Others may provide emergency food without documentation.
Find a food bank near you:
https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
(Enter your ZIP code to find the Feeding America food bank serving your area.)
Find free food and meal programs:
https://www.feedingamerica.org/need-help-find-food
(Learn how to find local food pantries, meal programs, and other food assistance.)
FEMA Individuals and Households Program
What it provides
FEMA may provide money for temporary housing, basic home repairs, damaged belongings, transportation, medical or dental expenses, funeral costs, childcare, moving and storage, and other serious disaster-related needs. FEMA assistance is intended to meet basic recovery needs. It usually will not pay for every loss or restore your home completely to its condition before the disaster.
Who can get it
FEMA assistance is available only when the federal government approves Individual Assistance for your disaster and location. Your primary home normally must be in an approved county, parish, tribal area, or territory. Homeowners and renters can both apply. You may qualify if the disaster damaged your primary home or belongings, made your home unsafe, or caused other necessary expenses that insurance did not fully cover. To check your location, enter your address at DisasterAssistance.gov. Make sure assistance is available to individuals and households. Some disaster declarations provide money only to governments or public agencies.
You can apply even if you have insurance, but FEMA will not pay for losses already covered by insurance. FEMA may also ask you to verify your identity, address, occupancy, ownership, and damage.
How to apply
Apply online, through the FEMA mobile app, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by visiting a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. Prepare your Social Security number, contact information, insurance information, damaged-property address, description of the damage, household income information, and bank details if you want direct deposit. Apply before the deadline listed for your disaster. If FEMA denies your application, read the letter carefully. You may be able to provide missing documents or appeal the decision.
Important Links
Check for available assistance and apply:
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
(Enter your location, find assistance connected to your disaster, and submit a FEMA application.)
Find assistance that may fit your situation:
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/find-assistance
(Answer questions to identify federal programs that may be relevant to you.)
Prepare to apply for FEMA assistance:
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/application-checklist
(See what personal, insurance, damage, income, and banking information you should gather.)
Find in-person FEMA help:
https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
(Search for a Disaster Recovery Center where staff can answer questions and help with an application.)
Disaster SNAP
What it provides
Disaster SNAP, also known as D-SNAP, provides temporary grocery benefits on an electronic benefits card. Eligible households generally receive one month of food benefits based on household size. People who do not normally receive SNAP may still qualify for D-SNAP.
Who can get it
D-SNAP is not automatically available after every disaster. First, the area must receive a federal disaster declaration that includes Individual Assistance. The state must then receive federal approval to open D-SNAP. Check your state’s SNAP or human-services website to see whether D-SNAP has opened in your county. Local news and the USDA disaster page may also announce the application dates. You may qualify if you lived or worked in the approved area and the disaster caused lost income, damage to your home or belongings, evacuation costs, temporary housing costs, or another serious household expense. Your household must also meet the temporary income and financial-resource limits established for that disaster. People already receiving regular SNAP usually do not file a separate D-SNAP application. Instead, the state may offer replacement or additional benefits.
How to apply
Follow the instructions from your state SNAP agency. Depending on the disaster, you may apply online, by phone, or at a temporary application site. Application periods can be very short. Prepare identification, household information, income received during the disaster period, available financial resources, and a list of disaster-related expenses.
Important Links
Learn about disaster food assistance:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/individuals
(See how D-SNAP, replacement SNAP benefits, and other disaster food programs work.)
Find your state SNAP agency:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
(Select your state to find its SNAP website, application information, telephone number, and local offices.)
Check current disaster food announcements:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster
(Look for information about disaster food assistance approved for particular states and disasters.)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
What it provides
Disaster Unemployment Assistance, or DUA, provides temporary weekly payments to people who lost employment or self-employment income because of a major disaster. The amount depends on your previous income and the rules used by the state handling your claim.
Who can get it
DUA is available only when the president approves it for a federally declared disaster. Your state unemployment agency will announce the eligible areas, application deadline, and instructions.
You may qualify if the disaster directly caused you to lose your job or self-employment income, prevented you from reaching your workplace, damaged your workplace, or stopped you from beginning a job you had been scheduled to start. You may also qualify if you became the household’s main financial provider because the previous provider died as a direct result of the disaster. DUA is mainly for people who cannot receive regular unemployment benefits. The state may require you to apply for regular unemployment first.
How to apply
Apply through the unemployment agency in the state where you worked. Check its disaster announcement to confirm that your county and type of work loss are covered. Prepare identification, your Social Security number, employment records, pay records, tax returns or other proof of self-employment, and information showing how the disaster prevented you from working. Apply promptly. Each disaster has its own deadline.
Important Links
Learn about income and employment help after a disaster:
https://www.dol.gov/general/disasterrecovery
(Review Disaster Unemployment Assistance and other federal employment-related recovery resources.)
Find your state unemployment program:
https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance
(Select the state where you worked to find its unemployment agency and application instructions.)
SBA Disaster Loans
What it provides
The Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans for disaster losses not fully covered by insurance or other assistance. Homeowners may borrow money to repair or replace a primary home. Homeowners and renters may apply for damaged belongings, including furniture, appliances, clothing, and vehicles. Businesses and many nonprofit organizations may apply for damaged buildings, equipment, inventory, or working capital. This is a loan, not a grant, and it must be repaid.
Who can get it
SBA disaster loans are available only when your disaster and location are included in an SBA disaster declaration. The program is not limited to businesses. Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and many private nonprofit organizations may apply. Check the SBA website for your disaster and confirm that your county or area is included. The disaster announcement will explain which loans are available and when applications are due.
Because this is a loan, SBA may consider your ability to repay it. The disaster must have caused the loss, and insurance or other payments may reduce the amount you can borrow.
How to apply
Find your disaster through the SBA website and apply through the online loan portal before the listed deadline. Prepare identification, contact information, insurance information, details about the damaged property, estimates of your losses, and financial records. Business applicants may need tax returns and additional business records. You can call the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 for help.
Important Links
Check current SBA disaster assistance and apply:
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
(Find current disaster loan programs, apply online, manage an application, or check its status.)
Find an SBA Recovery Center:
https://appointment.sba.gov/schedule/
(Search for a nearby center where SBA staff can explain disaster loans and help with an application.)
The Salvation Army
What it provides
Depending on the local disaster response, the Salvation Army may provide meals, water, emergency supplies, clothing, shelter, emotional or spiritual support, financial assistance, case management, and referrals to other services. Not every location offers every form of assistance.
Who can get it
People affected by a disaster may contact the Salvation Army office or emergency response team serving their area. A federal disaster declaration is not always required. Immediate services such as meals, drinks, and basic supplies may be broadly available. Financial assistance, shelter, and longer-term support may have additional local requirements. Availability depends on whether the Salvation Army is responding in your area and what resources it has.
How to apply
Contact the nearest Salvation Army location and explain where you live, how the disaster affected you, and what help you need. For financial or household assistance, you may be asked for identification, proof of address, income information, and documents showing your disaster-related loss. During a large disaster, local emergency officials or 211 may also direct you to Salvation Army distribution sites.
Important Links
Find a Salvation Army location and services near you:
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/location-finder/
(Search by location and type of service, including food, shelter, emergency assistance, and other local support.)
Learn about Salvation Army disaster services:
https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/
(Read about its emergency disaster operations and the kinds of help its teams may provide.)
Contact The Salvation Army:
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/contact-us/
(Find national contact information or directions for reaching a local office.)
Guidance and Specialized Support
United Way 211
What it provides
211 provides free, confidential information and referrals. A specialist can connect you with local programs offering food, shelter, temporary housing, help paying bills, transportation, legal services, mental health care, cleanup assistance, and long-term recovery support. 211 does not normally provide money itself. It helps you find organizations that may be able to help.
Who can get it
Anyone can contact 211. You do not need to live in a federally declared disaster area or prove that you meet an income limit before asking for information. The programs recommended by 211 will have their own eligibility requirements. 211 is especially useful when you are not sure what kind of assistance exists locally or when you need several different types of help.
How to apply
Dial 211 and explain your location, the disaster that affected you, and your most urgent needs. In many areas, you can also search, text, or chat through the local 211 service. Have your city or ZIP code ready. You do not need to know the name of the program you are looking for.
Important Links
Find disaster recovery resources through 211:
https://211.org/get-help/disaster-recovery
(Learn how to call, text, chat with, or search your local 211 service for disaster assistance.)
Find your local 211 service:
(Enter your location to connect with local food, housing, financial, legal, health, and recovery resources.)
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
What it provides
HUD-approved housing counselors provide personalized guidance about disaster-related housing problems. They may help homeowners and renters understand mortgage options, foreclosure prevention, temporary housing, rental issues, home-repair concerns, and other available housing resources. Counselors provide advice and referrals. They do not normally give disaster grants directly.
Who can get it
Disaster survivors can contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. You do not need to have an FHA-insured mortgage. Availability is nationwide, although the services and languages offered vary by agency. Some agencies provide counseling by telephone or online. Disaster counseling and foreclosure-prevention counseling are generally free. Ask about any possible fee before accepting another type of service.
How to apply
Use HUD’s online search or call 1-800-569-4287. When calling, ask to be connected with disaster-related housing counseling. Explain whether you own or rent, where the damaged property is located, and what housing problem you are facing. Prepare mortgage or lease documents, insurance information, disaster-assistance letters, income information, and notices from your lender or landlord if available.
Important Links
Find a HUD-approved housing counselor:
https://www.hud.gov/i_want_to/talk_to_a_housing_counselor
(Search for a counseling agency or find the telephone number for disaster-related housing counseling.)
Review HUD disaster housing resources:
https://www.hud.gov/disaster-resources
(Find housing guidance, disaster contacts, foreclosure information, and links to state emergency agencies.)
Free Disaster-Related Legal Aid
What it provides
Legal-aid organizations may help with FEMA appeals, insurance disputes, landlord and tenant problems, eviction, contractor fraud, damaged-property ownership, replacement of legal documents, and other disaster-related civil legal problems. The exact services available depend on the legal-aid organization and location.
Who can get it
Free civil legal aid is generally intended for people who cannot afford a private attorney. Income and case requirements vary by organization. Special Disaster Legal Services may also be activated after certain federally declared disasters. These programs do not open automatically after every disaster. Legal aid generally does not provide criminal defense through disaster programs and may not accept cases that are expected to generate attorney fees from a financial award.
How to apply
Use the Legal Services Corporation locator to find a nonprofit legal-aid office serving your area. You can also call 211 or look for a disaster legal hotline announced by FEMA, your state bar association, or local officials. When you contact legal aid, explain where you live, what disaster affected you, your approximate household income, and the legal problem you are facing.
Gather FEMA letters, insurance documents, leases, repair contracts, photographs, receipts, and other relevant records.
Important Links
Find a nonprofit legal-aid office near you:
https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help
(Enter your address or city to find an organization providing free civil legal services in your area.)
Learn about FEMA Disaster Legal Services:
https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/disaster-survivors
(Check whether disaster-related legal help and other specialized services may be available.)
Find disaster legal information and resources:
(Find guidance about FEMA, insurance, housing, consumer problems, and other disaster-related legal issues.)
SBP Disaster Assistance Program
What it provides
SBP provides free, one-on-one help with FEMA applications and appeals. Its team can explain a FEMA decision letter, identify documents FEMA may need, help prepare an appeal, obtain certain repair estimates, and submit the appeal for the homeowner. SBP cannot guarantee that FEMA will approve the request.
Who can get it
The program primarily serves homeowners who lived in the damaged home when the disaster occurred and who have already applied to FEMA or received a FEMA decision letter. It may be useful if FEMA denied your request, awarded less assistance than expected, or asked for documents you do not understand. SBP’s availability may depend on the disaster and the type of FEMA assistance involved. Contact the program directly to confirm that it can help with your case.
How to apply
Contact SBP through its online form or call its Disaster Assistance Program hotline at 1-800-276-9511. Prepare your FEMA application number, decision letters, insurance information, proof of ownership and occupancy, photographs, repair estimates, receipts, and other documents related to your claim.
Important Links
Request help with a FEMA application or appeal:
https://www.sbpusa.org/disaster-assistance-program/
(Learn about SBP’s free assistance and use the page’s contact form to request help.)
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
What it provides
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides immediate emotional support and crisis counseling for people experiencing stress, grief, anxiety, or other distress related to a natural or human-caused disaster. Trained counselors can listen, provide coping support, and connect callers with local services.
Who can get it
Anyone in the United States or its territories who is experiencing disaster-related emotional distress can contact the helpline. You do not need to meet an income requirement, receive a diagnosis, or live in a federally declared disaster area. Survivors, family members, first responders, witnesses, and others affected by a disaster may call. The service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
How to apply
No application is required. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to speak with a trained counselor. If someone is in immediate physical danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 instead.
Important Links
Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/disaster-distress-helpline
(Find the telephone and text number for free, confidential, 24-hour disaster-related emotional support.)
Find additional disaster mental health resources:
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/disaster-preparedness
(Find coping guidance, behavioral health information, and resources for survivors and responders.)
Cleanup and Rebuilding Help
Crisis Cleanup
What it provides
Crisis Cleanup connects disaster survivors who need property cleanup with volunteer organizations working in the affected area. Depending on the disaster, volunteers may help remove fallen trees, clear debris, clean out flooded homes, remove damaged drywall or flooring, or place temporary tarps. The work is generally free, but submitting a request does not guarantee that a volunteer group will be available.
Who can get it
Crisis Cleanup accepts requests only when it has opened an operation for a large disaster. It does not maintain a permanent nationwide application form. Priority may be given to people who cannot safely perform or pay for the work themselves, including older adults, people with disabilities, and households with limited resources. Participating volunteer groups decide which requests they can accept.
How to apply
Check the Current Disasters page for an active operation in your area. If one is open, the page will provide a telephone number or instructions for requesting help. Describe the property, the work needed, safety hazards, and how volunteers can reach you. Crisis Cleanup does not charge survivors. Do not pay someone who claims that a fee is required to submit or accept your request.
Additional Links
Check for an active cleanup operation:
https://www.crisiscleanup.org/disasters
(Find disasters for which Crisis Cleanup is currently accepting requests and follow the listed instructions or hotline information.)
Operation Blue Roof
What it provides
Operation Blue Roof installs a free, temporary, reinforced covering over qualifying storm-damaged roofs. The covering can reduce further damage and may allow residents to remain in their homes while arranging permanent repairs. It is not a permanent roof repair.
Who can get it
Operation Blue Roof is available only when FEMA assigns the mission to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the request of an affected state. It is not activated after every storm. The home must be a primary residence. The roof must retain enough framing to safely support the covering, and the resident must plan to continue sheltering in the home. Owners can request the service. Renters generally need permission from the owner. Some roofing materials and severely damaged structures cannot be covered safely. The official website will clearly state whether a Blue Roof mission is active and where it is available.
How to apply
When the program is active, follow the instructions on the official Blue Roof page and complete a Right of Entry form. This gives authorized crews permission to inspect the property and install the temporary covering. Operation Blue Roof is free. Representatives will not ask for payment, Social Security numbers, or bank information.
Important Links
Check whether Operation Blue Roof is active:
https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/Blue-Roof-Info/
(See whether free temporary roof covering is currently available, where it is offered, and how to submit a Right of Entry request.)
NECHAMA
What it provides
NECHAMA mobilizes volunteers to provide hands-on cleanup and recovery after hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. Its work may include clearing flooded or damaged homes, removing debris and damaged materials, gutting interiors, making repairs, and supporting longer-term rebuilding.
Who can get it
NECHAMA helps survivors only in communities where it has an active deployment. It does not operate in every disaster area or maintain a permanent nationwide household application. During an active deployment, NECHAMA works with local governments, nonprofits, recovery groups, and other partners to identify projects and households that need help. Check its website to see whether it is currently operating near you. If no active deployment is listed, contact 211 or Crisis Cleanup for local alternatives.
How to apply
When NECHAMA is deployed, follow the instructions on the deployment page or contact the organization to ask how local work requests are being collected. You may be referred through a local case manager, emergency-management office, nonprofit partner, or volunteer coordination system. Be prepared to explain your location, the type of property damage, the work needed, and whether you can complete or afford the work without volunteer help.
Important Links
Check NECHAMA’s current work and deployments:
(See whether NECHAMA is currently responding to a disaster and find information about its cleanup and rebuilding work.)
Team Rubicon
What it provides
Team Rubicon may repair or rebuild homes for disaster-affected households in selected long-term recovery communities. Depending on the project, work may include major roof repairs, structural repairs, home rehabilitation, or a complete rebuild. Approved services are provided without charge to the homeowner.
Who can get it
Team Rubicon does not operate this program in every disaster area. It works with local organizations and officials to identify communities and homeowners with significant unmet needs. Eligibility may depend on location, income, vulnerability, housing type, ownership and occupancy, disaster-related damage, insurance, other assistance received, and the household’s ability to recover without help. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
How to apply
Use Team Rubicon’s long-term recovery application. A representative will conduct an initial screening and help eligible applicants complete the full application. The process may include document review, an in-person property inspection, development of a proposed scope of work, and committee approval. Prepare identification, proof of ownership and occupancy, income information, insurance records, FEMA or other aid decisions, and documents showing the remaining repair needs.
Important Links
Apply for Team Rubicon’s Long-Term Recovery Program:
https://teamrubiconusa.org/how-we-serve/long-term-recovery/
(Review the eligibility and application process and submit an initial request for home repair or rebuilding assistance.)
Learn about Team Rubicon’s disaster response work:
(Review its disaster response programs and current areas of work.)
All Hands & Hearts
What it provides
All Hands & Hearts provides emergency cleanup and longer-term recovery in selected disaster-affected communities. Its work has included debris removal, cleaning damaged homes, home and community rebuilding, and restoring schools and other community facilities.
Who can get it
All Hands & Hearts does not offer a permanent nationwide household benefit. It creates specific programs after assessing a disaster and working with local leaders and partner organizations. The people and projects served depend on the location, community needs, program goals, and resources available. Check its Active Programs page to see whether it is currently operating in your area. In many cases, survivors are identified or referred through local partners rather than through a general national application.
How to apply
Review the Active Programs page and open the page for the relevant location. Follow any local contact or assistance instructions provided. If there is no direct household application, contact 211, local emergency management, or a long-term recovery group to ask whether it is referring cases to All Hands & Hearts.
Important Links
Check current All Hands & Hearts programs:
https://allhandsandhearts.org/our-work/active-programs
(See where the organization is currently providing emergency response or long-term recovery assistance.)
Contact All Hands & Hearts:
https://allhandsandhearts.org/contact-us
(Ask about a current program, local assistance, partnerships, or the best way to reach a response team.)
Samaritan’s Purse
What it provides
Samaritan’s Purse deploys volunteers to help homeowners clean up after disasters. Depending on the operation, volunteers may remove fallen trees and debris, tear out damaged drywall or flooring, tarp damaged roofs, clean flooded homes, salvage belongings, make repairs, or assist with longer-term rebuilding. The physical work is generally provided without charge.
Who can get it
Assistance is available only in communities where Samaritan’s Purse has an active response or rebuilding program. The organization often focuses on homeowners who cannot complete or afford the work themselves. The exact service area, eligible work, priorities, and request process vary by deployment. Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian organization, but disaster assistance is offered to affected homeowners rather than being limited to members of a particular faith.
How to apply
Check the organization’s U.S. Disaster Relief page and current news for an active deployment near you. When household assistance is available, Samaritan’s Purse generally publishes a local telephone number or request instructions for that response. Explain your location, property damage, cleanup or repair needs, and any circumstances that make it difficult to recover without volunteer assistance. Submitting a request does not guarantee that a team will be available.
Important Links
Check current U.S. disaster relief and rebuilding work:
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/nam/
(See where Samaritan’s Purse is responding and learn about cleanup, repair, and rebuilding services.)
Contact the U.S. Disaster Relief team:
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/contact-us-disaster-relief/
(Submit a question or contact the team about U.S. disaster-relief operations.)