Disaster Recovery Assistance Program - Blair and Huntingdon Counties Flooding

The Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP) is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency as a state-level initiative designed to support residents recovering from disaster events when federal assistance is unavailable or insufficient. The program is activated only under specific conditions, including the absence of a presidential disaster declaration, the issuance of a Small Business Administration disaster declaration, and a determination by the governor. For the flooding event that occurred on July 5 to July 6, 2026, in Blair and Huntingdon Counties, the program has been activated to provide targeted financial relief to affected households in designated municipalities. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide direct financial assistance to homeowners and renters who experienced disaster-related losses and lack sufficient resources to recover independently. The program prioritizes individuals who are uninsured or underinsured and those who meet income eligibility thresholds. DRAP funding is intended to address essential recovery needs and restore safe and habitable living conditions. This includes repairing structural damage, supporting temporary housing needs, and replacing essential personal property that was damaged during the flooding event. Funding under this program is structured as a one-time grant awarded per household. Eligible applicants may receive financial assistance across three primary categories: home repairs, temporary housing and rental assistance, and essential personal property replacement. Home repair funding can be used for structural components, utilities, and necessary remediation work, while temporary housing support may cover short-term lodging or rental costs when a residence is uninhabitable. Personal property assistance is limited to essential items such as clothing and furniture. The maximum total assistance available per household is up to twenty thousand dollars, with category-specific caps outlined in program materials. Eligibility requirements are clearly defined and include multiple conditions. Applicants must be residents of specific municipalities within Blair or Huntingdon Counties that were officially included in the DRAP activation. The damaged property must be the applicant primary residence, and the damage must be directly attributable to the July 5 to July 6 flooding event. Additionally, applicants must meet income thresholds set at below five hundred percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Individuals who do not already receive income-based government assistance must first apply for and be denied a Small Business Administration disaster loan as part of the eligibility process. The application process requires submission through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania online system or in person at designated assistance centers. Applicants must provide documentation including proof of residency, income verification, evidence of damage such as photographs, receipts for expenses, repair estimates, and insurance documentation if applicable. A Keystone Login is required to access the online application portal, and applicants must ensure all required documentation is submitted to complete their application. The application window for this specific disaster event opened on July 23, 2026, and closes on October 21, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible within this timeframe to ensure consideration, as funding is limited. Additional deadlines may apply for related processes such as Small Business Administration loan applications, which must be completed prior to DRAP eligibility for certain applicants. Notification timelines for award decisions are not explicitly stated but are dependent on application review and verification processes. This funding opportunity is not recurring and is tied specifically to the July 2026 flooding event. Future DRAP activations will depend on separate disaster declarations and state determinations. For assistance or inquiries, applicants may contact the program via the official email address provided by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency or consult program materials available through the state website.