Disaster Assistance Center Opens October 1

Oglala Sioux Tribe members affected by severe storms, straight line winds and flooding that occurred June 2-4, 2026 can apply for disaster assistance beginning Thursday, October 1. Applications are being taken in-person at the FEMA/Tribal disaster assistance center in Oglala beginning at 11 a.m. tomorrow.

How to apply for FEMA Assistance:

• Where: Visit the FEMA/Tribal Assistance Center at the Oglala District Community Center, 208 1^st Avenue, Oglala, SD or call 605-776-6003 to start the application process.
• When: Open Mondays - Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Who: Enrolled members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe with damage or property loss from the June storms [Only one application per household is needed.]

Be ready with key information: You don't need to have documents in hand to start your application, but having important information will speed up the application process. Here is the list of needed information:

• Your current contact information (phone number, mailing address, and email, if available)

• The address of the damaged home and a brief description of the damage

• Your Tribal ID and social security number 

• Insurance information, including any homeowners, renters, or flood insurance policy and known coverage 

• Bank account and routing numbers if you choose direct deposit for any approved assistance

What FEMA assistance may provide: FEMA helps with basic, essential needs not covered by insurance or other sources. Depending on individual circumstances, assistance may include a grant to help with certain disaster-related losses and may help with basic repairs to make a primary residence safe, sanitary, and functional. [FEMA assistance is not a replacement for insurance and is not able to restore all losses.]

Next steps: After applying, a FEMA staff person and an Oglala Sioux Tribal Guide will call you to make an appointment to come to your home to look at your damages, usually within a week or two of your application. Please answer the call and schedule your visit as soon as possible. This important step must be completed before assistance is approved.

Other Assistance Center Locations: Temporary Assistance Centers will open on a rotating basis in other district CAP offices, beginning October 5 in Wounded Knee in Manderson and Wakpamni outside Pine Ridge. Watch for more details.