What DearFEMA.com is:
A public archive of visitor submitted open letters to FEMA, public officials, insurance companies, and other public and private agencies. If you or a loved one were affected by the recent hurricanes and feel that you are getting ‘the short end of the stick’ from anyone this is the place to make it public. Submit your open letters and they will be published. It is my hope that by bringing our stories into the public eye we will shame public officials, FEMA, insurance companies, and others into doing the right thing.
I am NOT an expert on or offer any advice dealing with: the FEMA disaster relief application process, insurance claims, etc. Nor am I an arbitrator between site visitors and any public or private agency.
Why I built this site:
In the wake of the recent hurricanes one thing has become blindingly clear to many people. The only thing consistent with the dealings of many agencies and companies are their inconsistencies. From the very beginning, no one knew who was in charge or what the proper steps to be taken were. This haphazard way of dealing with the issues at hand has trickled all the way down into the recovery process. Getting relief funds from FEMA is as simple as filling-out an application for some people. Meanwhile, others (with the exact same application criteria) are given the runaround. And, so on…
This site is not aimed to be an outright bashing or attack on FEMA or anyone for that matter. It’s fairly well accepted that the task at hand is a monotonous one. Many good people are working extremely hard to get things back to normal here. And, I for one appreciate all the efforts and generosity being poured into our communities. This isn’t to say that the process is anywhere near perfect.
All inquiries can be directed to dearfema@yahoo.com
I am so glad somebody came up with this web page. I sent a letter but I could have wrote a book. I just want the help that was promised to try to rebuild some part of my life. Please pass this along to the government (all of them). Maybe they will read about how people are suffering.
Bernadine Harris
Comment by Bernadine Harris — December 31, 2005
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Thanks for this site. I think it gives people some kind of release to be able to get things off their chest. I certainly help me. If only FEMA could see the lives they are affecting.
Comment by Munchken — January 2, 2006
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I am so happy to see this site. No, I mean releaved. As much as I consider myself informed, I didn’t relize until I got my letter from FEMA how much of our freedom has been lost. It’s scary. i hope the results of this site wake everyone up.
Comment by Patrick N Delessio — January 22, 2006
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This site is somewhat of a relief/release for those of us really sick of the lies and deceptive tactics used by FEMA and their untrained agents.My children and I have lost EVERYTHING and the inspector sent to my home refused to even enter my home,but yet she sent a full report to FEMA headquarters giving them bogus information just so that she could look like she completed the inspection and get paid for another inspection. These uncaring individuals do not realize just how much power they have.For the families that have lost their homes and everything within them,an inspection by someone who has either personal issues that they are dealing with themselves or might have just had a bad day,they are in complete control of a displaced family’s destiny.I’ve sent appeal after appeal,provided limitless proof of my damages,but because they have recruited individuals without a personality,heart,or character, they take their word that this family doesn’t have any of the damages that they’ve claimed.All evacuees know for a fact that what you recieve to attempt to rebuild your life relies totally on what inspector you were appointed.Some had really nice ones that treated you like someone who’d lost everything and they wanted to do anything that they could to help,and some of us had the ones who couldn’t care less…like mine. I had 2 african american women (young) who looked at me and thought why should see have any more than me and my children. In conversation i realized that both of my inspectors were single black mothers like myself,and yet they did me no justice!! I didn’t expect anyone to write down losses that I didn’t show them or ones that they didn’t see for themselves,I just wanted to recieve the help promised to me. On a daily basis I see where all the “help” has gone. So many people are driving around in brand new vehicles courtesy of FEMA. While the family’s who are in dire need of help, you do nothing but give us the run-around. I personally want to thank FEMA for their funds that they have given away to those who in no way provided proof of their losses.They have helped many people to be able to buy vehicles they never would have had otherwise and provided many shopping sprees for those who had a taste for designer hand bags and designer clothes. You have done so much for SouthEast Texas that I’m not sure of just how to thank you………NOT!!!!
Comment by shannon godfrey — February 11, 2006
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Why is my letters NOT being put on-line?
IS IS OUR ZIP-CODE?
HOMELESS IN LYDIA, LA
Admin Note: - 09/06/06
I haven’t updated the site in several months. I just started working through the huge backlog of letters and comments. Your letters will be up ASAP.
Comment by AL TRAUTMAN — February 11, 2006
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I would like no one has commented about my complaint. What public office or whom do I Contact? Linda Knowlton.
Comment by Linda Knowlton — February 15, 2006
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I signed up a long time back for the Hazardous Mitigation Grant and received another form a couple of months ago. When I call the State offices it is like no one knows anything about what I am talking about. Could you give me a little input on the status of this? I am rebuilding on Highway 11 and this money from what I heard would certainly assist me.
Thank you
Sandy
Comment by Sandra Rivet — January 29, 2008
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Doing a Great Job, do us proud please
Comment by John G, Giotis — February 14, 2009
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Great JOB. Keep up the great work. PLease
Comment by John G, Giotis — February 14, 2009
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I think I have figured out how FEMA is going to replace some of their mis-spent funds!! I received a letter from my mortgage co. saying that FEMA has determined that I live in a “Special Flood Hazard “Zone. I must provide “flood insurance” by 6-25-09. Guess What…it can only be obtained in this country thru..you guessed it…FEMA! Now if I don’t get a “Certificate of Elevation” ($1500.00) The premium is $4300.00 per year!! If I DO get this bogus piece of high dollar paper, it is only $480.00per year. The real clincher here is that I live on the side of a hill in SW UTAH!! We just had the “Great 50 yr. flood here in 2005, 6 months after we moved here, and we stood on our deck & took pictures of the 1ft deep water, 25 ft below, and 25 ft away from our deck!! Now to show how outrageous that $4300.00 per year “Insurance Premium” is…our house is only 720 sq. ft.!! I am so very exasperated & mad! Don’t know why they don’t actually send someone here to see the “Bull Butter” they are spending our tax dollars on!! I’d love to hear from FEMA!!
Comment by lnwould@beyondbb.com — May 27, 2009
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