F.A.Q.
How do I apply for help?
You can apply for assistance by filling out the form at bit.ly/swlarecovery
Can I complete an application for a family member?
Yes, with their permission you can fill out a form for a family member. You will be asked to provide their name and your relationship to them and will need to give contact information for both the family member you are asking assistance for as well as yourself.
I'm not good with computers - Can someone help me fill out the assistance form?
Yes! Please call or text 337-426-1659 and let us know you need assistance completing the form.
If we don’t answer, please leave a message and we will get back to you.
What kind of documents would you need to receive assistance?
We ask for the following documentation not including a right of entry form at the time of initial assessment as well as a media release, job card, and liability release which would be signed once your home has been accepted as a project.
- Current mortgage statement (if applicable)
- Current property tax receipt (if you have issues locating this, please let us know)
- One utility bill (such as electric, gas, water, etc.) within the last 90 days
- If possible, one utility bill (such as electric, gas, water, etc.) from time of the storms
- Proof of income for each adult living in the home (Social Security Income 2022, Disability Income 2022, pay stubs for the month, retirement, etc.)
- For Family (Heir) Properties: Ownership Verification Form which we will give you. This will need to be signed by your family members who can lay claim to the property. This document will also need to be notarized.
How soon will I know if I am going to get help?
The short answer is…we don’t know.
Unfortunately, it could be a bit of a wait. We rely soley on volunteer labor, and if we don’t have volunteers to do the work, we can’t send anyone to your house. When we have volunteers coming, we find out what skills they have and pair them up with work that needs to be done. We would love to help you, but if you are able to find other assistance before we get to your home, please take it! We won’t be offended – we just want people back in their homes.
Will I be automatically denied if I receive funds from FEMA, SBA, or insurance?
No, you will not automatically be denied assistance. We do, however, prioritize cases based on need.
Do you work on heir properties (family properties)?
Yes, we will work on heir properties as long as the resident was living at the property at the time of the hurricanes and considers it their primary address.
Do you work on rental properties?
No, we do not work on rental properties.
Do you work on mobile homes?
In general, we do not work on mobile homes. Mobile homes with extensive damage are easily totaled making them difficult to work on. We may make exceptions at our discretion.
Can you make repairs on my current FEMA trailer?
No, we are not able to work on FEMA trailers.
Do you work on secondary properties?
No, we do not work on secondary properties.
Do you work on secondary buildings on a property (e.g., shed, storage building)?
No, we do not typically work on secondary buildings.
Will my home be completely restored when a volunteer group comes?
No, a volunteer group agreeing to work on your home is not a guarantee of completion. They bring homeowners one step closer in their home repair process.
Will I need to pay anything to SWLA Responds for repairs?
No, homeowners do not pay for any help they will receive. If you already have building materials to use for your home such as flooring, we may use this during repairs.
What happens if I am denied assistance?
If you are denied assistance, you will be contacted as to why you were denied. Unfortunately, this means that we will not be able to work on your home.