Mariposa County Receives Federal Assistance

Mariposa County Receives Federal Assistance along with Two Recovery Centers for Recent Disasters

MARIPOSA COUNTY–Mariposa County has been approved for a variety of federal assistance programs to support recovery from the Oak Fire, Late December 2022 Winter Storms, and February/March 2023 Winter Storms. The different declared disasters have different approved assistance.

Oak Fire and Late December 2022 Winter Storms

Mariposa County has been approved for Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those whose homes were damaged during the Oak Fire and/or Late December 2022 Winter Storms. These grants focus on providing funding to very low and low-income homeowners who experienced damage. These grants can help with repair expenses, site preparation, and even the cost of moving a manufactured home to a new location.

To apply for this grant or learn more, you can visit https://bit.ly/41Bycpb.

Additional federal resources for Oak Fire Survivors can be found by visiting www.fema.gov/disaster/5445

February/March 2023 Winter Storms

Mariposa County has also been approved for federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Association’s (SBA) Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience for the series of winter storms that started on February 21st, 2023.

Mariposa County residents who experienced damage due to these storms are strongly encouraged to register for assistance.

Individuals and businesses can register in one of four ways:
1) visiting www.disasterassistance.gov
2) calling 800-621-3362,
3) downloading the FEMA app, or
4) visiting a Disaster Resource Center.
**Those applying will want to use the Disaster Reference Number DR-4699.

FEMA, along with SBA and California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), in partnership with Mariposa County have opened two Disaster Resource Centers (DRC) in the county and are now open to the public:

Greeley Hill Community Center
10332 Fisk Road in Coulterville
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Saturday
Location set to close *End of Day May 18th

 

 

 

Midpines Hall
6364 Hwy 140 in Midpines
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Saturday
Location set to close *End of Day May 25th

*If there is a continued need for these centers, the closing dates may be extended.

Once residents or business owners register through FEMA, they will be moved automatically through the process to find the assistance they may be eligible for. Each person is likely to experience a slightly different path with different options, but all are encouraged to register.

Part of the process does include a home inspection by FEMA to verify losses. This process typically takes about 30 – 45 minutes to complete and the FEMA inspector will present their badge with photo identification prior to starting the inspection. If the inspector does not show you photo identification, do not process with the inspection. Additionally, FEMA never charges a fee for inspection. If you are asked to pay, do not proceed with the inspection.

Both FEMA and CalOES would like to warn those in disaster areas to be cautious of potential fraudulent behaviors. If you have concerns about visitors or callers claiming to be FEMA, you can ask for their photo ID, name, and ask that they confirm your FEMA application number, which is generated after you register. Do not provide any payment or personal financial information such as banking information as FEMA representatives will not request these items. For more information on how to avoid fraud, please visit https://news.caloes.ca.gov/be-alert-to-fraud-aftera-disaster/

For more information on assistance, resources, and recovery details you can visit www.mariposacountyrecovers.org