FEMA: Houses of worship can get disaster aid

Agency changes policy after suit by two synagogues.

In a policy reversal that comes one month after a federal lawsuit was filed by two Florida synagogues, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has changed its policy to allow religious organizations to apply for disaster aid grants in the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Chabad of Key West and Chabad of the Space Coast in Satellite Beach sued FEMA on Dec. 4 in U.S. District Court in Key West, calling unfair the former policy that shut them out of such aid. The lawsuit, though, will continue in federal court until the policy plays out for the synagogues, according to an attorney at the forefront of the case.

“The policy as its written is a good policy,” said Diana Verm, a lawyer with The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty in Washington. “Once it’s implemented, then that will be a victory for the lawsuits. For now, it’s still being implemented.”

FEMA has promised to treat the synagogues equally so it complies with the Constitution, Verm said.

“As long as they’re complying, we don’t have a problem with it,” she said.

FEMA announced last week that houses of worship no longer would be excluded from eligibility for FEMA aid. The assistance is limited to costs not covered by a U.S. Small Business Administration loan.

Last year, three Texas churches severely damaged by Hurricane Harvey year sued FEMA over the policy, accusing the agency of religious discrimination.

Irma, which struck the Keys on Sept. 10, left Chabad of Key West with roof damage and interior water damage that requires permanent repairs plus mold remediation, the lawsuit reads.

Both synagogues have applied for Small Business Administration loans, the lawsuit states, but nothing guarantees they will receive them or that the loans will be enough to cover all the damage.

Synagogues are in the same company as other private nonprofit societal institutions such as community centers and zoos, the lawsuit states.

“The synagogues are not seeking special treatment; they are seeking a fair shake,” according to the 29-page suit.