EDGEWATER, Fla – The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Ian is less than a month away. Hundreds are still in need of help in Volusia County, and while many residents are getting the help, other residents are growing frustrated with the process.
“We do need help. Carpeting, ceiling in one of the bedrooms came down,” said resident Theresa Spanos.
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Spanos was one of dozens of Volusia residents who showed up to FEMA’s pop-up event in Edgewater. Many of them spoke with the agency on Monday for the first time since Ian hit.
“I know people that totally lost their house, so I didn’t think it would be fair to apply, because they deserve it more than we do,” said Spanos.
As clean up continues, others had just discovered more damage than they realized they had.
“We didn’t have any leaking or anything else, but we realized that some shingles were missing from the roof,” said Nick Sabagello, from Oak Hill.
As of Monday, FEMA reported 333,740 households had approved for aid in Florida, but some residents are growing frustrated.
“FEMA turned me down the first time which is why I came back out today. I don’t have flood insurance. My hurricane deductible is $9,400, so I’m not going to get anything from the insurance company,” said Lisa Dellaney.
Dellaney was one of those losing faith – hoping to find answers Monday with flooding, roof, and car damage to deal with at home.
She said she was told to instead apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration loan.
“If I don’t get any help, we’re just going to sell everything, probably to an investor and leave the state,” she said.
FEMA does take appeals if denied. The agency’s deadline to apply for help is November 28.
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