TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – FEMA’s acting administrator says his own parents have received a letter denying hurricane recovery aid — with his name on it.
FEMA says it has provided more than a billion dollars to assist Florida’s recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The process can be lengthy and discouraging, especially with another hurricane season right around the corner.
Cameron Hamilton, FEMA’s acting administrator appointed by the Trump Administration, said the agency is taking immediate steps for new methods, new approaches, and new ways to respond in the coming weeks and months.
When Hamilton was asked about Floridians’ concerns about FEMA’s appeal process, he said he gets it. His parents live in Pinellas County.
“There is an appeals process,” Hamilton said. “I don’t like that process, to be perfectly frank. My parents got a letter of denial that has my name written on it. I have to wrestle with that and own that, which is why we’re making changes now to be more sensitive, agile, and responsive to every survivor because that’s what they deserve.”
“Recovery becomes challenged with that, the ability to prepare for future events become challenged and strained,” Hamilton added. “That’s all the more important why we stress the need for preparedness, plans and policies, and your own methodology in place so that you can respond accordingly.”
Hamilton said the agency’s singular focus is on survivors. FEMA is overhauling its operations by “building out systems and applying very aggressive maneuvers.”
Hamilton also noted that the entire organizational goals of FEMA have been re-written under the direction of President Trump.
Ahead of hurricane season, FEMA urges residents in disaster-prone areas to prepare by gathering a list of important documents, make a plan, check in with family and friends, and be aware of the agency’s resources.
