Disaster Recovery and Donation Opportunities

Christina Mullins • August 25, 2021

Following the devastation of Hurricane Ida on August 29, 2021, this article has been updated as of September 1, 2021.


This year was predicted to be an even busier hurricane season than last year. So far though, it has actually been relatively calm. 2020 gave the Gulf Coast Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Sally and Zeta, which severely damaged lives, homes and businesses in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, among other states. Almost a year ago this week, on August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura caused almost $12 billion in damages alone. 


When a storm this catastrophic occurs, lives are affected in varying degrees. Following a disaster, those affected are faced with the process of cleaning-up, rebuilding and many times, finding financial resources (if they are needed). In the following paragraphs, I will outline the aid that is available state and national levels. 


State-by-State Recovery Resources 

Across the nation, all states have dedicated agencies to emergency management and vary in titles. In Louisiana, it is called the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, or GOSHEP. Similarly, in Mississippi, it is called the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency or MEMA. These websites have pertinent information about assistance both prior-to and post disasters. A complete list of a number of resources for Louisiana can be found here. 


Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance 

After the president makes a presidential declaration, it makes different types of FEMA aid available in certain areas (such as a parish or county). First, there is FEMA Public Assistance, or PA. According to the GOSHEP website, “the State must meet its threshold of $6,392,055 in damages in order to receive a Presidential declaration.” This particular program provides funding to public entities, such state government agencies and school districts, private nonprofit organizations (PNPs), and federally-recognized Native American Indian tribes. 


FEMA Individual Assistance 

Additionally, there is the Individual Assistance (IA) program, which is also managed by FEMA. This gives financial or direct assistance to families or individuals for short-term housing, home repairs or home replacement. This program also covers repairs or replacement of personal property items not covered by homeowners or flood insurance. There are more costs that may be eligible, and you can visit the FEMA website for a comprehensive list. Currently, the maximum grant per household is $33,000. To be eligible, you must reside within a presidentially-declared disaster area (as explained above). You can also go to DisasterAssistance.gov to see if your area qualifies.  


Small Business Administration Loans 

Lastly, the Small Business Administration offers low interest loans to both individuals and businesses to assist with repairing or replacing property that has been damaged or destroyed by a declared disaster. First, there are home and personal property loans that renters and homeowners can get up to $40,000. Moreover, homeowners can get loans of up to $200,000 to repair homes to their pre-disaster condition. 


There are business physical disaster loans available to businesses that are located in a declared area. These loans are up to $2 million. The SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which provides loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and nonprofit organizations. Most often, these EID Loans are for instances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, not weather-related. 


Donation Opportunities



No Matter the Size Storm

Natural disasters are out of our control, and so are the property damages they have the ability to cause. No matter the size storm, our team of industry-certified large loss specialists have the expertise to evaluate damages and mobilize equipment to prevent secondary damages. Our team is available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE. To learn more about our services and company, please visit our website at www.GuaranteeRestoration.com. 

Meet The Team | Christy Jones Huff

By Christina Mullins • February 12, 2025
At Guarantee Restoration Services, our people are at the heart of everything we do. This month, we’re excited to introduce Christy Jones Huff , a Business Development Representative at our Jackson, Mississippi Branch who joined the team just over a year ago in January 2024 . From Property Management to Business Development Christy’s journey to GRS started long before she stepped through our doors. A Jackson State University graduate , she earned her degree in Mass Communications/Public Relations with a minor in Marketing . She then spent 19 years as a property manager , gaining invaluable experience in building relationships and problem-solving, which are skills that now serve her well in business development. It is safe to say that she is well-versed in the multifamily vertical that we serve, but she also works with several other industries, such as state entities and housing authorities.  Life Outside of Work Originally from Farmhaven, MS , Christy stays busy outside of work with a full house. She’s married, a proud mom to a college-aged son, and spends most of her free time keeping up with a very active toddler —a job she jokingly refers to as "taming a toddler." When she finds a rare quiet moment, she enjoys crafting, though she explained that those moments are few and far between these days.

Guarantee Restoration Services Expands Leadership Role as Managing Partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration in Austin, Texas

By Shawn Folks • February 5, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein, Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Expands Leadership Role as Managing Partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration in Austin, Texas BATON ROUGE, La. – February 5, 2025 – Guarantee Restoration Services has entered into an agreement to serve as the managing partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration, a leading restoration and facility maintenance provider in Austin, Texas. This partnership marks a significant step in Guarantee Restoration’s ongoing expansion throughout the South and Gulf Coast region. Guarantee Restoration Services will oversee management operations in Austin, working closely with W.B. Arthur Restoration to enhance systems, streamline processes, and position the company for long-term growth. This collaboration reinforces Guarantee Restoration’s commitment to delivering industry-leading restoration services, while expanding its footprint across new markets. “We’re embarking on a remarkable journey that will create new pathways for innovation, growth, and leadership in the marketplace,” said Shawn Folks, CEO of Guarantee Restoration Services. “Our people are the reason we are able to form these types of partnerships. I’m excited to see where we go from here.” This strategic partnership aligns with Guarantee Restoration’s pattern of growth across the Gulf South, having established a strong presence in six markets across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. By bringing its expertise in restoration management to W.B. Arthur Restoration, they aim to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery in the Austin Metro Region. About W.B. Arthur Restoration W.B. Arthur Restoration provides a wide range of property maintenance and restoration services, including water damage restoration, facility maintenance, air duct cleaning, and carpet cleaning. Serving the greater Austin Metro Region, W.B. Arthur Restoration is dedicated to ensuring homes and businesses receive the highest level of care, even in the most difficult-to-reach places. About Guarantee Restoration Services For over 50 years, Guarantee Restoration Services has been a trusted name in the restoration industry, consistently expanding its services and market presence along the Gulf Coast. The company’s mission is to support communities in need by offering reliable restoration solutions, maintaining honest and dependable service, and ensuring stability for businesses and homeowners. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit http://www.GuaranteeRestoration.com /.
Prioritizing Infection Control in Baton Rouge Healthcare Facilities

Prioritizing Infection Control in Baton Rouge Healthcare Facilities

By Shawn Folks • February 5, 2025
Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities require the highest levels of cleanliness and sanitation to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
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