Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf coasts of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi on A 29 August 2005, resulting in severe and widespread damage to the region. The response of the federal government, especially the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in the aftermath of the storm has been widely criticised. Some of and the criticism has focused on the organisational arrangements involving FEMA and its parent, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This book summarises principal federal disaster assistance programs, specifically FEMA, for possible use by Members of Congress and staff in helping address the needs of constituents. A number of federal agencies provide assistance to victims; to state, territorial, and local governments; and to non-governmental entities following a disaster. Among other forms of assistance, federal programs can provide grants, loans, loan guarantees, temporary housing, and counselling. The background of FEMA is also presented.