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Season 3
“Your despair is real…. If you don't get the answers you want, appeal. Ask the right people and keep asking till you get to the right person.” -Cherry Jochum
Episode Description:
Signed by President Jimmy Carter, Executive Order 12127 established the Federal Emergency Management Agency, widely known as FEMA, as the primary agency in charge of emergency management and civil defense. Among its many functions, FEMA also manages disaster assistance funds, from which many families and organizations have benefited. Still, in desperate times, many people can’t help but ask why the process takes too long and what makes it complicated.
In this episode, we are joined by FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination Lead and Recovery Funding Advisor, Cherry Jochum to answer some of the questions that have puzzled many for years. Cherry explains the structure, function, and limitations of the agency and the roles that FEMA plays during a disaster. Jennifer and Cherry also talk about the behind-the-scenes before a declaration is approved, leveraging funds and every resource possible, and the responsibility of each community in leading their recovery. Securing funds during a disaster is really challenging, but your persistence will pay off. Don’t give up just yet! Tune in and learn how you can get federally declared disaster assistance from FEMA.
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Highlights:
01:59: By Necessity, Not Design
08:50: The Life of a Reservist
12:55: The Limitations of FEMA
17:43: Behind the Scenes of FEMA Approved Declaration
23:09: The Role of Foundations
32:12: Matching and Leveraging Funds
38:28 Appeal
