FEMA delivers over $1.5 million in disaster relief grants in SLO County

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - More than 1,000 people have applied for storm related help from FEMA in San Luis Obispo County. That's according to SLO County Emergency Services Coordinator Rachel Dion, who appeared live on News Channel 3-12 to talk about disaster assistance.

Dion said over $1.5 million in grant money has already been allocated to San Luis Obispo County residents. Many of them have been displaced from their homes due to flood damage following the major storm that hit the Central Coast on January 9.

"We've seen families that have lost everything," Dion said. She added people are, "Looking for basic necessities like food, cleaning supplies and household items."

While FEMA is providing rental assistance grants, the non-profit group Global Empowerment Mission was in San Luis Obispo this week handing out food and supplies.

Collection of storm related debris has wrapped up. Dion said at least 22,000 pounds of vegetation, drywall, furniture and other items was collected in five large bins around the county.

The Disaster Recovery Center remains open at the San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall at 801 Grand Avenue. Resources from the Federal Government can also be accessed here.