FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. —  The Federal Emergency Management Agency is still offering financial assistance to those impacted by spring storms.

As of last week, nearly 700 people across the state were approved for FEMA grants.

Officials said they believe there are many more across Arkansas who could benefit, but may not be applying for grants due to certain impairments. 

FEMA officials said the first step in receiving a grant is getting registered. 

“We are here to help,” said FEMA employee Bob Porreca.  “But you have to come down and you have to register before we can even start to help you.”

One of the services representatives hope will help increase grant registration numbers is a disability integration service, which provides interpreters and hearing aids to those in need.

“The important thing is if you have damage, register because FEMA gives grants to help people recover and their objective is to get you back in your home in safe and sanitary conditions,” Porreca said. 

Once a person is registered and evaluated on an individual basis, they will be referred to the small business association to access grant money to repair or rebuild their homes.

“We are here to take care of people who are taxpayers and make sure they are taken care of as far as getting their lives back together,” said Corey Williams of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “Disasters do happen. We are here to help them get back on their feet after a disaster strikes.”