SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Many in the Southcrest community and other flood-damaged areas are hoping they will soon get help from the federal government as FEMA inspectors tour homes devastated by flooding in late January.
Melinda Soltero got a visit from FEMA inspectors Thursday morning.
“They went through my home, they walked through, took pictures, measured. I showed them videos of what I lost. I liked everything that I heard from them — they were wonderful with me,” Soltero said.
Earlier this week, President Biden made a disaster declaration for flood areas in San Diego County, releasing federal aid for victims.
Southcrest resident Eddie Menjivar says he immediately filed a claim and got a quick response.
“I think they want to give me some money for the home appliances. Nobody wants to pay for that. That’d be a big help — a lot of money,” Menjivar said.
After residents make appointments, FEMA workers are going through homes, assessing flood damage and property losses.
Many in this community are desperate to get any financial assistance they can.
Jerry Hernandez is one of the many flood victims who are still out of their homes.
“I showed the pictures. They’re gonna do a totality of everything, they’re gonna come out with an estimate. I don’t know how much. He said we can’t tell you how much. I’ll take the help because it’s stressful right now,” Hernandez said.
Elvira Paulin says she was glad to get a visit from FEMA, but is concerned, while some flood victims will get direct cash relief, others may only qualify for a low-interest loan.
“We don’t want a loan. If we wanted a loan, probably go to our bank and get a loan or something,” Paulin said.
Click here for more information about applying for federal disaster assistance money.
FEMA workers told residents it will likely take seven to ten business days for an estimate on financial assistance.