BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Residents in northwest Washington impacted by December’s severe storms and flooding now have multiple opportunities to get in-person help applying for FEMA disaster assistance.
A Disaster Assistance Center opened April 22 in Whatcom County, while two additional Disaster Recovery Centers open April 29 in Skagit County.
The assistance follows a major disaster declaration after storms battered the region from December 5 through 19, 2025, causing widespread flooding and damage across several counties.
Whatcom County Assistance Center Now Open
The Whatcom County center operates in Sumas and provides direct support for residents navigating disaster aid programs. Specialists can help residents apply through FEMA, connect them with SBA loan programs, and link them to state and local resources.
The facility is accessible to people with limited mobility and offers services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Skagit County Centers Opening April 29
Two Disaster Recovery Centers open in Skagit County on April 29 to expand access for residents affected by flooding. Both sites offer in-person assistance from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, Washington state agencies, and local nonprofit organizations.
Hamilton: Hamilton Town Hall, Maple StreetWeekdays: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Who Is Eligible for FEMA Assistance
Homeowners and renters in multiple Washington counties may qualify for aid if they experienced damage during the December storms.
Eligible areas include Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties, along with numerous tribal nations across the state.
- Temporary housing and displacement costs
- Home repairs
- Personal property losses
- Other disaster-related expenses
Officials emphasize that residents must apply directly with FEMA to qualify for federal aid, even if they have already applied for state assistance.
How to Apply — Deadline June 10, 2026
There are three ways to apply for disaster assistance:
Phone: 800-621-3362
Mobile: FEMA AppApplication Deadline: June 10, 2026
People using video relay service, captioned telephone service, or similar communication tools can provide FEMA with their service number when applying. Emergency officials encourage residents to visit a center in person if they have questions or need help completing applications.
Face-to-face support helps ensure applications are complete and connects survivors with the full range of available recovery resources.
Flood Disaster Recovery Questions
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