We never know when a life-altering disaster may strike or how it will affect us and our loved ones. When we are faced with a natural disaster it can be difficult to know where to begin or what resources we have at our disposal to support us through the uncertainty of recovery.
The AFA Disaster Relief Fund is available to AFA and RAFA Members in good standing. Members can qualify for a one-time per calendar year gift of $500 if they have been displaced, by a natural disaster, from their primary residence for seven or more days.
If you are in need of support and would like to apply for AFA Disaster Relief visit www.afacwa.org/drf.
Additional support and financial relief are available through FEMA at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or can be reached by phone at 800-621-3362.
FEMA disaster assistance can help with a range of needs including:
Serious Needs Assistance. Money to help one pay for essential items such as food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication, and other emergency supplies.
Displacement Assistance. Money to help with housing needs. If one cannot return to their home because of the disaster, this money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends, or other options while one looks for a rental unit.
Other eligible expenses. This includes expenses from things like rental assistance, basic home repairs, and property losses.
AFA Employee Assistance Program is also standing by to offer any additional support Members may need. This confidential resource is staffed by trained volunteers who are our trusted peers and understand the stress of our careers and how derailing a disaster can be in managing our lives.