Listed below are some resources for those in need of support after the disaster. As always, please contact the City with any questions you may have, whether through our Contact Us form (found here: Anna, TX - Official Website (annatexas.gov)) or by emailing KWinarski@annatexas.gov. Also, if there are additional local resources you think neighbors would benefit from, please share those with us.
State & Federal Resources
FEMA Disaster Assistance Now Available
Apply at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-463-7585 TTY)
Both grants through the Individual and Household Assistance Program and loans through the SBA are available. SBA loans are available for both residents and businesses.
- How much assistance is available? The average grant amount provided through the Individual and Household Assistance Program for the last six disasters in Texas that got approved for IA was $5,842. For SBA, a max of $200,000 for homeowners to repair/replace a damaged/destroyed primary residence; $40,000 for a homeowner or renter to replace damaged personal property; and a max of $2 million for businesses with physical or economic injury.
Renters and homeowners can apply for assistance if they have received damage cause by the winter storm:
- Set up an account and apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov. This will make it where a resident can upload their documents that will be required (such as proof of occupancy, insurance letters of awards or denials, and any other documents needed to submit). The account can also be checked to see where they are at in the application process.
- A resident can also call 1-800-361-3362 and apply over the phone. Once they apply over the phone then the resident will have to fax or send in their documents.
- FEMA may be able to assist homeowner and Renters who have insurance. Services cannot be duplicated, so residents will need to send in the documents stating what their insurance covered, and what it did not cover. There may be assistance available for things that insurance does not cover.
- Applicants are required to inform FEMA of all insurance coverage such as flood, homeowners, renter's, etc. that may be available to them. Insured applicants must provide FEMA documentation such as an insurance settlement or denial letter to process their application.
Emotional Support for Disaster Survivors
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year Disaster Distress Hotline for crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. More information can be found here: Disaster Distress Helpline | SAMHSA
State Damage Survey
We ask any Anna neighbors affected by this week’s winter storms please participate in the State’s survey here: https://arcg.is/uOrOb. The objective is to identify damages across Texas, and to help emergency management officials gain an understanding of those damages that have occurred. This will facilitate targeted assistance to be directed to the local level and will also help the State seek federal assistance.
Texas Department of Insurance Resources
Texas Attorney General Office Resources
City Resources
Trash Collection
Normal trash and recycling services resumed Monday, February 22 on the normal schedule - i.e. Monday routes were collected on Monday, Tuesday's on Tuesday, and so on. To accommodate for overflow from last week, CARDS set up three drop off locations over the weekend for waste overflow and they have since been completely filled and removed. We appreciate our neighbors' patience as we return to normal.
Utility Billing
On March 9, the City Council approved a utility billing credit of $15 for all neighbors in response to disruption of water services during the winter storm in February. Along with the disruption in service, neighbors were also encouraged to drip faucets in an attempt to keep water services from freezing and to protect crucial infrastructure systems. Additionally, solid waste disposal services were suspended for one week.
While there may be some varying circumstances, the $15 credit was determined based off the following:
- $3.81 for solid waste (1 missed service)
- $4.90 for water (5 days of base rate)
- $4.90 for sewer (5 days of base rate)
- $1.39 for drip adjustment (5 days of drips on volume rate)
In addition, the leak adjustment policy is still in effect and is being applied on a case-by-case methodology. Neighbors will see the credit applied in their next bill.
Other Local Resources
2-1-1
Dialing 211 will connect you with state and local health and human services resources and nonprofit organizations. Their purpose is to be a one-stop shop for getting people services they need. More information on 211 can be found here: https://www.211texas.org/about-2-1-1/
Collin County
Collin County also has a winter storm help page with additional information, found here: Features (collincountytx.gov)