Instead of seeking help from the county, Burnett is relying on the goodwill of volunteers like Andrew Kimber.
Kimber, who lives in nearby Belzoni, has been coordinating the groups of volunteers who are helping rebuild Burnett’s and her neighbors’ homes. He said it’s been difficult to watch as Burnett’s neighbors try to figure out their options to rebuild. Many don’t have a lot of money or adequate homeowners insurance. While federal relief is available, he said it’s usually not enough.
The maximum limit of housing assistance under-insured or uninsured residents can receive from FEMA after a major disaster is $41,000, with an additional $41,000 for other assistance.
“FEMA can only help you up to $41,000,” Kimber said. “$41,000 is not enough to build a house. It's not even a pitch in the pail.”
Across the six affected counties in Mississippi, the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $20.1 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. FEMA has approved more than $12 million through its Individuals and Households Program, with more than $8 million approved for housing assistance.
In Humphreys County, where Silver City is, the average amount of FEMA assistance paid out to families was $3,773.04. In Sharkey County, where Rolling Fork is the county seat, the average was about $7,258.36.
Federal assistance is not meant to replace homeowner’s insurance, FEMA’s guidelines state, but Kimber said it’s — so far — been the only help many living in Mississippi’s poorest region have received after the storm. Some elderly residents have taken out large loans to rebuild their homes when previously they’d been living mortgage-free. It’s expensive, but donations and manpower have nearly run out.
“When things happen, people come and help out,” he said. “When you get to two to three weeks in, everybody's gone, and that’s when people really realize they’ll just have to fend for themselves.”