The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides financial support to non-federal entities through its Shelter and Services Program (SSP) to help noncitizen migrants after they are released from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The SSP is a reimbursement program, and FEMA does not provide direct funding to migrants.
Here are some details about the SSP:
- Eligibility: Only state or local governments, or nonprofits can apply for SSP.
- Funding: In 2024, Congress appropriated $650 million for SSP.
- Application process: There are two funding opportunities for 2024: SSP-C and SSP-Allocated (SSP-A). The programmatic framework is the same for both, but the eligibility requirements and application process differ.
- Record keeping: Organizations must keep detailed records of each person they serve and confirm that funds are only spent on individuals released by DHS.
FEMA may also provide other types of assistance to individuals, including:
- Crisis counseling
- Disaster legal services
- Short-term, non-cash, emergency aid
Individuals can call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY for hearing/speech-impaired) for information and referrals to other programs.