MADISON, Miss. – One year after the major disaster declaration for the March 24-25, 2023, severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, more than $84.9 million in state and federal assistance has been provided to survivors in Mississippi. Funds include grants from FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) through the Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Programs, and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
FEMA remains in the affected communities, working with local and state officials to provide Public Assistance grants and temporary housing.
Individual Assistance
As of March 15, 2024, more than $13.1 million in FEMA grants have been approved for renters and homeowners in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola and Sharkey counties.
- More than $8.7 million in Housing Assistance that helps pay for uninsured home repairs, home replacement and rental assistance for short-term lodging.
- FEMA has approved more than $1.4 million in Rental Assistance.
- More than $4.4 million in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for uninsured personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs.
Temporary Housing
FEMA is working to provide RVs, mobile homes, and leased homes and apartments to eligible applicants in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola and Sharkey counties.
- As of March 15, 121 households, totaling 345 individuals, are living in FEMA Temporary Housing.
- 65 RVs and mobile homes are being used by individuals and households on their own properties.
- 41 RVs and mobile homes are being used by individuals and households RV/mobile home parks.
- 16 households are staying in leased homes and apartments as part of the Direct Lease program where FEMA leases existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties.
- 16 households have moved out of FEMA temporary housing and into their permanent housing.
SBA Disaster Loans
SBA has approved more than $20.3 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. These flexible loans may help supplement insurance settlements and FEMA grants.
- More than $18 million in home loans.
- More than $2.2 million in business loans.
- More than $68,000 in economic injury loans to support small businesses and nonprofits that suffered disaster-related economic losses.
Public Assistance
Seven counties are approved for Public Assistance: Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola, Sharkey and Washington.
As of March 15, 182 projects have been approved for $51.6 million.
Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program that aids state, local, tribal and territorial governments, and certain types of nonprofit organizations, impacted by federally declared disasters. The assistance allows for reimbursement for eligible work including debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to infrastructure and other structures. The Public Assistance program is funded by FEMA and administered by MEMA.
For the latest information on recovery from the March tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4