Federal Disaster Assistance Available for April Flooding

Published on July 07, 2026

A photo of rain drops in a puddle.

City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management is pleased to announce that the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the April 2026 flooding has been approved. As a result, financial assistance through both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now available to eligible City of Kalamazoo residents who sustained damage during the April flooding event.

Apply for Assistance

The declaration provides an important opportunity for residents to receive assistance with disasterrelated losses that may not be covered by insurance.

City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management is currently working closely with the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and surrounding county emergency management agencies to establish a local Disaster Recovery Center/Disaster Loan Outreach Center where residents can receive in-person assistance with both FEMA and SBA applications.

While the in-person assistance center is being finalized, residents do not need to wait to begin the application process if they are ready to apply.

Individuals living in Kalamazoo County whose primary residence or personal property sustained damage from the April flooding may apply for FEMA Individual Assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. Residents may also download the FEMA mobile application to begin the application process.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to eligible homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations. Applications may be submitted through the MySBA Loan Portal, or applicants may call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance with the SBA application process.

Residents who have insurance should file an insurance claim before applying for FEMA assistance. Federal assistance cannot duplicate benefits provided through insurance; however, FEMA may be able to assist with eligible losses that are not covered by an insurance policy.

FEMA assistance may be available for eligible disaster-related expenses including but not limited to:

  • Temporary housing or hotel expenses if a home is uninhabitable.
  • Essential home repairs. 
  • Replacement of personal property damaged during the disaster.
  • Immediate emergency needs, including food, water, medications, and other necessities.
  • Medical and dental expenses related to the disaster.
  • Funeral expenses.
  • Childcare expenses.
  • Vehicle repairs or replacement.
  • Accessibility-related home repairs.
  • Other eligible disaster-related expenses as determined by FEMA.

SBA disaster loans may assist eligible homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofit organizations with repairing or replacing damaged real estate, personal property, business equipment, inventory, and other qualifying disaster-related losses. Loan terms are based on each applicant's financial circumstances.

Residents who were visited by the joint City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management, Michigan State EMHSD, SBA, FEMA damage assessment teams in May must still submit an official application through FEMA or SBA to be considered for assistance. City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management understands that applying for federal disaster assistance can seem overwhelming. Residents who are not comfortable completing the FEMA or SBA applications on their own should not feel rushed or pressured to apply immediately. Once the local Disaster Recovery Center / Disaster Loan Outreach Center opens, trained representatives from FEMA and the SBA will be available to answer questions, explain available programs, and provide one-on-one assistance with completing applications.

Residents will have ample opportunity to receive in-person assistance, and City Emergency Management encourages anyone who would prefer additional guidance to wait until the assistance center opens if that is more comfortable for them.

As soon as the assistance center location, opening date, and hours have been finalized, City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management will distribute that information through the City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management Facebook page, local news media, community partners, City communication channels, and City of Kalamazoo opt-in RAVE Alert emergency notification.

City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management encourages all residents whose homes or personal property sustained damage during the April flooding to explore the assistance that may be available. There is no cost to apply for FEMA assistance or to speak with FEMA or SBA representatives about available programs.

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