On March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a National Emergency concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, FEMA is directed to assist state, local, tribal, territorial governments and other eligible entities with the health and safety actions they take on behalf of the American public.

What this means:

• FEMA support will be conducted in accordance with the FEMA Public Assistance program as defined in their Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide.
• State, tribal, and local governments, as well as some private nonprofit (PNPs) entities, are eligible applicants for reimbursement for expenses incurred in responding to the COVID- 19 outbreak.
• Eligible applicants can receive a 75% Federal cost share reimbursement for valid COVID-19 associated costs (meaning that following Federal reimbursement, the entity would only have to cover 25% of the expense).

The bottom line is that the same methodology you have used to receive FEMA Public Assistance support in the past has been put in place to support your efforts in combating COVID-19. As World Housing Solution infrastructure has previously been deemed an eligible Category B expense by FEMA as part of Hurricane Maria response efforts in Puerto Rico, World Housing Solution pandemic surge assets would be an eligible expense for you to receive a 75% Federal cost share on. As always when working with FEMA, work with your State representatives to ensure FEMA eligibility prior to moving forward on a project you feel is eligible for Federal support. If you have any questions, please contact Ted Cowan at [email protected].