HESSMER, La. — While floodwaters have receded across Avoyelles Parish, many residents are
still working to recover from the recent flooding.

Volunteer organization Samaritan's Purse continues to assist homeowners by removing damaged
belongings, cleaning out flooded homes and helping families begin the rebuilding process.

According to the organization, volunteers have assisted approximately 300 families so far. More
than 90 additional households are still awaiting help, and Samaritan's Purse plans to remain in
Avoyelles Parish through the end of the month.

"We're helping homeowners remove their belongings, and as they're seeing their debris out on the
street, we're able to come alongside them," said Kevin McGann, project manager for Samaritan's
Purse. "Our Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are also here to support families with
both their physical and spiritual needs as they recover from this storm."

Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging residents whose
disaster assistance applications were denied not to give up.

FEMA spokesperson Nate Custer said many applications are initially denied because of missing
information or documentation and can often be approved after applicants provide the required
records or file an appeal.

Many Disaster Relief Organizations Remain in Avoyelles;
Recovery Is Expected to End In About 6 Months

"If that happens to you and you're denied and you've got a challenge to a FEMA financial
decision, you've got the right to appeal that," Custer said. "That's one of the services we provide
at the Disaster Recovery Centers we have, or are preparing to open, in these parishes."

According to FEMA, common reasons applications are denied include missing documents,
insurance coverage that has not yet been verified, duplicate applications from the same
household, or the agency being unable to verify homeownership, occupancy or identity.

Residents are encouraged to carefully review their FEMA decision letter, submit any requested
documentation and appeal the decision if they believe they qualify for assistance. Supporting
documents may include repair estimates, receipts, insurance information, property records or
other records related to disaster-related losses.

Applicants can submit appeals through their account at DisasterAssistance.gov, by mail or fax,
or by visiting a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for in-person assistance.

FEMA officials emphasized that anyone who believes their application was denied in error
should contact the agency, as many issues can be resolved by providing additional information.