July 17, 2026
WESTBY, Wis. — For Vernon County residents still grappling with the devastating aftermath of the historic April 13-23 severe weather and hailstorm, a newly approved federal disaster declaration is opening doors to much-needed relief.
The approval of FEMA Individual Assistance for the county changes the recovery landscape significantly, making a wide range of benefits possible for homeowners and renters. Crucially, this funding serves as a safety net for those who have fallen through the cracks of private insurance or who found themselves entirely uninsured when storms hit the area on April 14. This assistance is available to all residents but especially for the community of Westby where baseball-sized hail battered that community and damaged nearly every home, automobile and business.
“By law, FEMA cannot duplicate the benefits that are covered by insurance, but FEMA is there to help the people that do not have insurance or the people who are underinsured,” explained FEMA Public Affairs Specialist Kim Keblish in a recent interview.
To help residents navigate the application process and organize their paperwork, Vernon County Emergency Management Director Brandon Larson announced that a physical Disaster Recovery Center is setting up operations in Westby at Our Saviors Lutheran Church starting on Tuesday the 21, at 8:30 a.m. Normal hours after Tuesday will be Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Larson emphasized that this physical location will be especially helpful for residents, including the elderly, who may not have computer access or who feel more comfortable sitting down with a representative to review their documents.
What Qualifies for Assistance?
For those wondering what types of expenses might be covered, the answer is broad. According to Keblish, FEMA’s goal is to ensure people have a safe, sanitary, and functional place to live.
Available assistance can cover basic home repairs and costs towards repairing a primary daily-use vehicle. It can also help cover temporary housing if a family was forced to stay in a hotel or with relatives because their home was uninhabitable. Other disaster-caused expenses that may qualify include the replacement of essential furniture or appliances, moving and storage costs, medical and dental bills, and even childcare expenses incurred due to the storm.
“If your insurance is not covering your whole cost, then apply for FEMA assistance,” Keblish advised. “Let us tell you what you’re eligible for.”
She urged residents that if they have any storm-related costs at all, they should simply ask.
The Importance of Documentation
Before seeking help, getting organized is critical. FEMA requires specific paperwork to verify identity, residency, and financial need.
Because FEMA assistance addresses the “funding gap” left by private policies, residents must first file a claim with their insurance company. FEMA will require applicants to provide their insurance settlement letter, a coverage of benefits document, or a denial letter.
Applicants should also gather and organize any receipts or contractor estimates for home repairs. Furthermore, FEMA may request proof of homeownership or occupancy, such as a property deed or a lease agreement. For those applying online, Keblish noted that residents do not need a scanner; a clear smartphone picture showing the entire document is sufficient to upload to their FEMA profile.
How to Apply and What to Expect
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is August 31, 2026. Larson stressed a vital point for the community: even if residents previously reported their property damage to the county or through the United Way 2-1-1 system, they must still register directly with FEMA, as that information does not transfer.
The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov, where applicants can create a profile to submit documents and check their status. Residents can also apply by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
After applying, many residents will receive a phone call within seven to ten days from a FEMA home inspector to schedule a property visit. Keblish warned that this call may come from an unknown or out-of-state number, but it is vital that residents answer.
With the influx of out-of-town contractors and inspectors, residents should remain vigilant against fraud. Official FEMA inspectors will always carry a photo ID badge, which is the best and only way to verify their identity. Additionally, FEMA personnel will never ask for money or charge a fee for an inspection or application assistance.
Additional Community Resources
For residents who need help beyond what FEMA provides, local organizations are working tirelessly to bridge the gap.
Couleecap is offering a Disaster Recovery Program, funded with $250,000 in emergency funding, which provides 0% deferred or forgivable loans to low- and moderate-income households in Vernon County. This assistance can cover the gap between an insurance claim and total repair costs, help with mobile home repairs, and replace damaged roofs, siding, and windows. Eligible residents must earn below 80% of the County Median Income.
The River 2 Ridge Disaster Resilience Group is also actively providing case management and funding for residents who are falling through the cracks of other assistance programs.
Finally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits. Homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 to repair their primary residence and up to $100,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles. SBA loans can also provide additional funds—up to 20% of the verified physical damage—for mitigation improvements, such as installing storm-rated garage doors or severe weather shelters to protect against future disasters.
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