Parts of Louisiana still look storm-torn despite the most recent hurricane hitting almost six months ago.
One spot with lasting damage is a cemetery down in Creole, located in Cameron Parish. This is the scene you'll likely find in several cemeteries across Southwest Lousiana: damaged or, in some cases, displaced headstones and graves. A gut wrenching sight which followed the powerful storm surges from both Hurricanes Laura and Delta.
If you have a loved one buried in one of the cemeteries that is in a federally declared disaster area, there are steps you can take to get the graves repaired.
As part of every disaster, FEMA provides help with cemetery recovery costs including repairing headstones, re-burial, and any damages that have occurred as a result of hurricanes.
In order to receive the money, Louisiana residents will need to apply for funding but will first need an estimate from a contractor or funeral home on the cost to make those repairs.
Applicants, according to FEMA, will receive the exact amount of funds determined by their estimate. Up to $8,000 can be allocated for repairs.
Graves in damaged cemeteries may also be adopted for repairs. FEMA says in order to receive funds to repair an "adopted grave" a separate application and estimate will need to be submitted for approval.
The Louisiana Cemetery Task Force is putting on an event this Saturday from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Creole to help people file for FEMA assistance. Breaux says it's important to get people to file for assistance so the funds stay in Louisiana.
For more information from FEMA, click here.
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