Eastern KY Flooding Disaster Relief

Last Updated 8-12-22

This past week, Eastern Kentucky was hit with massive flooding that destroyed communities and took the lives of several Kentuckians. Community Ventures is compiling resources to share with those in need. Please check this page regularly for updates. If you have any disaster relief resources that we can share, please email them to jbrown@cvky.org.

If you have applied for federal disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), please note:

  • You will get a letter in the mail. Read it carefully, because it will tell you your status, how to respond, the amount of assistance you may receive and how you are allowed to spend the money. application.
  • You must then submit additional information or supporting documentation to continue to process the application. The letter is just the first step! You must provide additional information.
  • Missing information may include:
    • Proof of insurance coverage
    • Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from the insurance provider
    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of occupancy
    • Proof of ownership
    • Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the
  • If you have questions, visit a Disaster Recovery Center to get help clarifying what FEMA needs to continue processing the application, or you can go online to disasterassistance.gov or call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362.

Appeal If You Are Denied

Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA.

FEMA does not provide assistance for insurance deductibles.

Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:

  • Applicants full name
  • Disaster number (DR-4663 for Kentucky)
  • Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
  • Applicant’s current phone number and address
  • The FEMA application number on all documents
  • If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.

Letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail or via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.

  • By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055 or by fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

FEMA Home Inspections

A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, accessible and functional. FEMA considers the following factors in the home inspection:

  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC).
  • Access and egress, including privately-owned roads, privately-owned bridges, and privately-owned docks.
  • Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a mobile home, and reconnecting or resetting its sewer, water, electrical, oil, and fuel lines and tanks.
  • The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
  • The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems function properly.
  • The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
  • The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
  • There is safe access to and from the home.

FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including items such as toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors.


SBA Disaster Assistance for Those Affected by Severe Flooding, Landslides & Storms

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available to businesses and residents in Kentucky following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began on July 26, 2022.

The disaster declaration covers Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry, and Pike Counties in Kentucky, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following contiguous counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Bell, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, and Wolfe in Kentucky; for economic injury only in the contiguous Virginia Counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise; and for economic injury only in the contiguous West Virginia County of Mingo.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration #17546 and #17457 (Disaster KY-00093).

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app.

If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants can call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call that same phone number.

Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Loan applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/disaster.

Mail completed applications to:

U.S. Small Business Administration | Processing and Disbursement Center

14925 Kingsport Road | Fort Worth, TX 76155


SBA Opens Disaster Recovery Centers in Eastern Kentucky

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Tuesday afternoon that it is opening three Business Recovery Centers in the flood-ravaged areas of eastern Kentucky on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Perry County BRC opens at noon on Wednesday at Hazard Community and Technical College’s Jolly Classroom Center. Hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Clay County BRC opens at noon on Thursday at Eastern Kentucky University’s Manchester campus. Its hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Letcher County BRC opens at noon on Thursday at Appalachian Groundswell in Whitesburg. Its hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The BRCs are established to provide one-on-one assistance in submitting a disaster loan application for Kentucky businesses impacted by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began on July 26.

Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA has established protocols to help protect the health and safety of the public. All visitors to the BRCs are encouraged to wear a face mask.

The disaster declaration covers Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike counties in Kentucky, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans, or EIDLs: Bell, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley and Wolfe.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, elevation, retaining walls, and landscaping to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers EIDLs to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster, with assistance available whether or not the business suffered any physical property damage.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

Interest rates are as low as 3.04 percent for businesses, 1.875 percent for nonprofit organizations and 2.188 percent for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/, and should apply under SBA declaration # 17546. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.

The physical loan application deadline is Sept. 28, 2022. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 1, 2023.

Eastern Kentucky Homeowners & Renters Should Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

FEMA has already announced that renters and homeowners of Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike counties who were affected by the severe storms, flooding and mudslides that began July 26 may apply for individual disaster assistance.

Ways to Apply

  • Apply online at disasterassistance.gov or on the FEMA mobile app. FEMA created a page with important resources relating to the disaster, including a guide for how to apply for assistance and a video that walks applicants through the process.
  • Apply by calling 800-621-3362
  • Visit a FEMA Mobile Registration Center (open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
    • Breathitt County – 421 Jett Drive, Jackson, KY 41339
    • Clay County – Clay Community Center – 311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY 40962
    • Knott County – Knott County Sportsplex – 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831
    • Letcher County - – Letcher County Recreation Center – 1505 Jenkins Rd., Whitesburg, KY, 41858
    • Perry County – Hazard Community and Technical College – 1 Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701

What You Need for Your FEMA Application

  • Current phone number where you can be reached.
  • Address at the time of the disaster
  • Address where you are staying now
  • Social Security number (one per household)
  • Description or list of the damage and losses
    • Take pictures of damage
    • Keep receipts from all purchases related to clean-up and repair
  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
  • If insured, information about insurance coverage
    • Policy number
    • Agent or company name


Have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance? File a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot aid with losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Travel trailers are being delivered and connected to utilities for emergency sheltering. Twenty-five travel trailers have been delivered to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Floyd County. And between two areas in Knott County, 25 more are being set up. Information will be forthcoming for those who may be in need of these temporary shelters.


Homeowner Resources

Fannie Mae Disaster Response Network

Fannie Mae offers help to homeowners with a Fannie Mae-owned loan, including:

  • Personalized recovery assessment and action plans
  • Assistance filing claims for FEMA, insurance, Small Business Administration
  • Help working with mortgage servicers on payment relief options

Call 877-833-1746 for more information on the Fannie Mae Disaster Response Network.

Properties Impacted by Disaster

​​​Please refer to the list of affected counties published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) using the following link: http://www.fema.gov/disasters. KHC will require an exterior inspection on all subject properties located in affected counties if the appraisal was completed on or before July 25, 2022. The inspection should show evidence verifying that the property is undamaged.

  • FHA guidelines can be found in Handbook 4000.1 Section II A. 7. C.
    • The inspection should identify and quantify any dwelling damage.
  • Fannie Mae guideline can be found in the Selling Guide B2-3-05.
    • If damage is identified in the inspection the property is required to be restored to pre-disaster condition and will require Form 1004D/442.
  • RHS Loans
    • If damage is identified in the inspection the property is required to be restored to pre-disaster condition and will require Form 1004D/442.
  • VA guidelines can be found here. Borrowers and lenders must sign a Lender and Veteran Disaster Certification Form and indicate that it is enclosed on the VA Loan Summary Sheet.


State Resources

For additional flood resources, including shelters, visit governor.ky.gov/floodresources

Emergency Shelters
Resort Park and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

  • There are 25 travel trailers at Jenny Wiley State Park (two operational and ready for occupancy)
  • There are 17 at the Knott County Sportsplex (none occupied)
  • Four are at Carr Creek in Knott County (none are occupied)
  • Additional shelter may be available at Jenny Wiley, Paintsville State Park, Pine Mountain State

Cooling Stations for Relief from the Heat

  • Breathitt County – Breathitt Library – 1024 College Ave., Lost Creek
  • Floyd County – Floyd Community Center – 7199 KY-80, Langley
  • Johnson County – City of Paintsville Recreation Center – 232 Preston St., Paintsville
  • Knott County – Knott County Sportsplex – 450 Kenny Champion Loop, Leburn
  • Letcher County - – Letcher County Central High School – 435 Cougar Drive, Whitesburg
  • Perry County – Perry County Community Center – 354 Perry Park, Hazard
  • Pike County – Valley Elementary School – 162 Douglas Pkwy., Pikeville
  • Wolfe County – Senior Center – 76 Marion St., Campton


Missing Persons

Kentucky State Police is continuing to respond and actively search for missing people.

  • If you wish to report a missing loved one in the counties of Breathitt, Perry, Knott, Letcher or Leslie counties, contact Post 13 Hazard at 606-435-6069.
  • If you wish to report a missing loved one in the counties of Magoffin, Johnson, Martin, Floyd, or Pike counties, contact Post 9 Pikeville at 606-433-7711.
  • If you wish to report a missing loved one in the counties of Jackson, Owsley, or Lee counties, contact Post 7 Richmond at 859-623-2404.
  • If you wish to report a missing loved one in the counties of Wolfe or Morgan counties, contact Post 8 Morehead at 606-784-4127.
  • If you wish to report a missing loved one in Harlan County, contact Post 10 Harlan at 606-573-3131.
  • Please note phone lines are extremely busy right now. It may take a while to get through.
  • A command staging area has been established at the Hazard Armory for emergency personnel only. The public should not travel to the affected areas until emergency personnel gives the all-clear.


Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund

As of 7:30 a.m. EDT on Aug. 1, there have been 12,035 donations to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, totaling $1,534,308.30. To donate, visit TeamEKYfloodrelieffund.ky.gov. The fund is fully transparent and the first distribution of funds will go toward paying for each victim’s funeral.


Additional Resources

FEMA Assistance

Visit KHC’s Resources for Kentuckians in Need page

Visit DV8 Kitchen to Support Disaster Relief for Addiction Recovery Care

DV8 has connected with Addiction Recovery Care’s (ARC’s) Spring Hill, which is a center for men in Letcher County KY. Their counseling services building has been destroyed and the residents and employees displaced. Many of ARC’s employees in that region have been significantly impacted with loss and damages to homes, vehicles, and other property.

We want to help out! Starting Wednesday, August 3, DV8 Kitchen will be selling the Appalachian Hot Brown in both of their locations for $11. They are donating the profit to ARC Spring Hill with the goal of raising $1,800. If you or your business want to match this donation, please email info@dv8kitchen.com or call/text Rob Perez at 859-321-5600.