Enchantment State News

SANTA FE, NM – State, federal, local, and county agencies are collaborating to provide resources to those affected by the South Fork and Salt fires. A state Disaster Recovery Center is now operational at the Roswell Convention Center and will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can access Disaster Case Management services and assistance with both short-term and long-term resources.

In addition to Disaster Case Management, various state agencies will offer support with:

- Applications for SNAP benefits and other assistance programs

- Unemployment

- WIC

- Insurance claims or policy checks

- Additional living expense payments

- Document retrieval for existing Medicaid policies

- Medicaid applications

- Peer support

Applications for Federal Disaster Assistance are currently open. Individuals in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Tribe can apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA application helpline at (800) 621-3362. The helpline operates daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mountain Time.

FEMA will have a team available this weekend at shelter facilities to assist those impacted with applications for Federal Disaster Assistance.

Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) provides funding for households to cover essential items such as water, food, first aid supplies, breastfeeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, fuel for transportation, or other emergency supplies for eligible households. To qualify for SNA, individuals must be displaced or require shelter or have other emergency costs due to the disaster on their application.

Displacement Assistance (DA) offers upfront funds to help people secure immediate housing options of their choice, whether staying in a hotel, with family and friends, or other alternatives. Both Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance are funded after an inspection confirms eligibility.

For those unable or unwilling to visit the Disaster Recovery Center in person, resources are available through the state’s 24/7 Fire Hotline at 1-833-663-4736 or online at dhsem.nm.gov/nmwildfires.