Cary, NC -- In the wake of natural disasters, many North Carolinians find themselves navigating the complicated road to recovery. To help residents better understand their rights and maximize their access to federal assistance, SBP USA partnered with United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) to host a vital training session on the FEMA Appeals Process.
This comprehensive training, tailored for local nonprofit leaders, disaster case managers, and community resource navigators, focused on demystifying the FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) process. SBP experts walked participants through the most common reasons FEMA applications are denied and emphasized how survivors can successfully appeal those decisions.
"67% of FEMA applicants were denied assistance," says Claire Balsley, Director of Disaster Assistance Programs at SBP, "but only 4-6% of applicants appeal their decision, whether they are denied or provided a lower reward amount that is necessary for them to recover." These statistics are drastic, encouraging agencies to aid in the appeals process for community members affected and in need.
The training covered:
- How to interpret FEMA award or denial letters
- Key documentation survivors need for a successful appeal
- Deadlines and procedures for submitting appeals
- Tips for working with FEMA inspectors and responding to requests for more information
- Examples showing successful appeal outcomes
Through this initiative, UWNC and SBP USA aim to strengthen North Carolina’s disaster resilience infrastructure—ensuring that when the next storm hits, communities will be ready to respond, recover, and rebuild faster.
This session is part of an ongoing series of capacity-building efforts led by UWNC and its 47 Local United Ways. Together with partners like SBP, they are working to close the information gap that often leaves low-income and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families behind in the recovery process.
To watch the training from July 29, 2025, click below:
About SBP USA
SBP is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities shrink the time between disaster and recovery by rebuilding homes, increasing resilience, and improving policies to better serve the needs of all Americans. For more information, visit https://www.sbpusa.org/.
About United Way of North Carolina
United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. For almost 50 years, United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) has been a statewide organization, partnering with 47 local United Ways to co-create solutions to people’s most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to statewide needs, including but not limited to, strengthening local resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security in our state. UWNC bridges and mobilizes people, local United Ways, and resources so individuals, families, and communities thrive in North Carolina. We are committed to four core areas of work: Member services, NC 211, Disaster Response, and Advocacy. For more information, visit https://www.unitedwaync.org/.