FEMA Allowing Churches To Apply For Hurricane Disaster Aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has revised its policies to allow houses of worship to apply for some federal aid to help deal with damage from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

FEMA announced Tuesday houses of worship no longer would be excluded from eligibility for FEMA aid.

The agency says the changes affect private nonprofit organizations that sustained damage from a major disaster on or after August 23 or that had unresolved applications pending before the agency as of that date. The assistance is limited to costs not covered by a U.S. Small Business Administration loan.

Three Texas churches severely damaged by Hurricane Harvey last year sued FEMA over the policy, accusing the agency of religious discrimination.

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In:
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Hurricane Irma
• Hurricane Harvey