News

AUSTIN, Texas – State and federal recovery officials encourage Texas residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who may try to prey on survivors vulnerable due to the October severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services. FEMA encourages survivors to be especially vigilant for these common post-disaster fraud practices: • Fraudulent building contract...

This weekend marks the annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 18, 2016. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to equality, justice, economic advancement, and opportunity for all. He challenged us and taught us that everyone has a role to play in making America what it ought to be. Dr. King also recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. King’s life and teachings into community action that helps meet national challenges on issues such as increasing Economic Op...

OneStar Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2016-2017 AmeriCorps State Formula Funding Opportunity! Selected organizations will receive grants to support AmeriCorps member positions that will help meet critical needs in the State of Texas in one of six key Focus Areas: Disaster Services - improving community resiliency through disaster preparation, response, recovery and mitigation Economic Opportunity - increasing economic opportunities for communities and improving financial literacy, affordable housing, and employability, with special empha...

Disasters such as floods and tornadoes commonly result in the loss of important documents. While it can seem like a daunting task, the good news for Texans is that many official papers and vital records are relatively easy to replace. Survivors of October’s severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding, who have registered and applied for federal disaster assistance, should keep their personal information updated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) throughout the recovery process. Supplying copies of important documentation is a necessary part of r...

In the face of disaster, Texans have always come together with courage, compassion and unity to ask, “How can I help?” If you want to volunteer for disaster work, there are many tasks to do after a disaster— cleaning-up and rebuilding are two of the biggest. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests that volunteering through a local voluntary organization may be the best way to find meaningful volunteer work after the disaster. Such organizations are often in the best position to know about opportunities for volunteers in the long and difficul...