Apply for FEMA Assistance
Published on October 16, 2026
MENASHA, Wis. – Winnebago and Outagamie County Emergency Management announce that a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opens Monday, October 19, at 9 a.m. in Menasha to assist residents and businesses impacted by the July 27 tornado and severe storms. An additional center will open in Grand Chute for one week beginning October 26.
The centers are opening following the October 7 federal major disaster declaration, which made federal assistance available to individuals and communities affected by the storms. Winnebago and Outagamie counties were among those approved for federal Individual Assistance.
Located at UW-Fox at1655 University Drive in Menasha, the center will have representatives from the FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) available to answer questions, assist with applications and help residents navigate federal recovery programs.
"We are pleased to have FEMA and SBA resources available locally for residents and businesses impacted by the July 27 tornado," said Winnebago County Emergency Management Director Eric Rassmussen. "Our community has made significant progress in recovery, thanks to the work of local organizations, volunteers and neighbors helping neighbors. These additional federal resources provide another opportunity for those still facing challenges to get the assistance they need."
“Residents impacted by the July 27 tornado are strongly encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance,” said Paula Van De Leygraaf, Outagamie County Emergency Management director. “These funds may help eligible households address disaster-related costs and support the recovery and rebuilding process. Applying is an important first step toward accessing the resources available to help our community move forward.”
Disaster Recovery Center Locations and Hours
Fox Cities Disaster Recovery Center - Menasha
1655 University Drive
Menasha, WI 54952
Opens October 19 at 9 a.m. and will remain open at least 30 days and until further notice.
Grand Chute Fire Department Disaster Recovery Center
2250 Grand Chute Boulevard
Grand Chute, WI 54913
Open October 26–31, 2026.
Both locations will operate during the following hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9am-5pm
- Tuesday and Thursday: 11am – 7pm
- Saturday: 9am-1pm
- Sunday: Closed
Applying for FEMA Assistance
Residents are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, the easiest and most efficient way to begin the FEMA application process.
Those who prefer in-person assistance can visit a Disaster Recovery Center to ask questions, get help with applications, check their application status or learn about the appeals process. Residents can also contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.
Individuals who have already received assistance from local organizations or other recovery resources are still encouraged to apply. Receiving local assistance does not automatically disqualify survivors from FEMA assistance.
FEMA Individual Assistance may help eligible homeowners and renters with temporary housing, essential home repairs and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses.
SBA Disaster Loans Available
SBA representatives will also be available at the centers to explain federal disaster loan programs and assist applicants.
Businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and eligible private nonprofit organizations may qualify for low-interest disaster loans to help cover disaster-related losses and recovery expenses.
Application Deadline and Additional Resources
The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is December 7, 2026.
Residents who need transportation assistance to visit a Disaster Recovery Center can contact Make the Ride Happen at 1-866-907-1493 or visit maketheridehappen.org.
Winnebago and Outagamie counties encourages residents to continue following official updates from FEMA, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Winnebago and Outagamie counties, and local municipalities for information about available recovery resources.
For more information or to apply for assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1-800-621-3362 or visit fema.gov/drc.