2023 Flood Resources for Residents & Businesses
Source: https://www.mass.gov/
Below is a broad overview of what is available to support residents and businesses affected by flooding that was compiled by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More resources may be added as damage assessments continue. At this time, the flooding events are not a federally declared disaster, so FEMA individual assistance, public assistance and other services may not be available.
Immediate Assistance
Emergencies
If floodwaters pose an immediate threat to your life or property, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.
General Help
Mass 211 partners with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and local offices of emergency management to provide citizens with critical information and non-emergency assistance before, during and after emergency or disaster events. The Mass 211 Emergency and Disaster Services Line relieves pressure on 9-1-1 and emergency response teams by providing contact center services for citizens needing critical non-emergency public information and referrals for food, housing, financial assistance, etc.
Call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.helpsteps.com.
Debris Removal/Home Cleanup
The Crisis Cleanup Home Cleanup Hotline is open to help Massachusetts residents affected by flooding. The hotline is expected to be active until August 25, 2023.
Individuals needing assistance with fallen trees, mold mitigation, tarping roofs, or flooring, drywall and appliance removal can call 617-207-5633.
Mental Health
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Call or text 1-800-985-5990
Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, click the “ASL Now” button on the DDH website or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone.
Educational Resources
Safety Before, During, and After Flooding
Dealing with Mold
Top 10 Tips for Rebuilding Healthy Homes After a Disaster | HUD
Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters | HUD
Insurance & Consumer Safety (from the Division of Insurance)
Consumer Safety & Disaster Information
Guide to Disaster and Emergency Insurance Preparations
FAQs Regarding Homeowner’s Insurance Claims
Taxes and Records
FAQs for Disaster Victims | IRS
Financial Assistance
USDA Rural Development
Single Family Housing Repairs Loans and Grants
What it is: Low-interest loans and grants for home repairs, improvements, or modernizations.
Eligibility Requirements: For loans, the homeowner must meet the income classification for very low income in their county. For grants, the homeowner must also be 62 or older.
Employment
What it is: Cash benefits for unemployed workers
Eligibility Requirements: Workers unemployed through no fault of their own
Financial Counseling
For Individuals and Families: Financial counseling can help you make decisions about how to move forward with rebuilding your life after a disaster. These counseling agencies have trained staff that can help you develop a budget for your emergency assistance funds, determine critical financial items that need to be addressed, manage your creditors and more.
National Counselors Available By Phone
Project Porchlight 877-833-1742
Operation Hope 888-387-4673
