Disaster Recovery Counseling

Natural disasters can strike any time. Even if you’re prepared, recovery can be a long, painstaking process. Fortunately, help is available.

MMI is proud to offer post-disaster financial recovery counseling and personalized assistance for disaster survivors through Project Porchlight.

Already a Porchlight client? Click here to access your online learning account

How it Works

There are four main components to Project Porchlight.

Assessing your disaster impact and developing a recovery plan | We know that every disaster and household is unique. Our disaster recovery specialist will take the time to understand the challenges you face and create a plan to bring you back to “normal” as quickly as possible.
Assisting with your FEMA aid and insurance paperwork | Our trained professionals will guide you through the application and appeals process. At the same time, we will provide tips and tools to manage your financial obligations while awaiting aid or insurance payments.
Monthly support from your recovery specialist | A Project Porchlight counselor will be in regular contact with you for up to one year, providing guidance, encouragement, and resources throughout the recovery process.
Community, encouragement, and continuing education | Porchlight Online provides you with a moderated forum to find support from other survivors. It also provides information on how to avoid common scams, navigate insurance issues, connect with assistance programs, prepare for future disasters, and more.

Who Can Benefit?

Project Porchlight is available to anyone in the United States who has been impacted by a natural disaster. Some of the most common reasons people seek post-disaster financial recovery counseling include:

Your income or employment has been interrupted due to the disaster
Your home was damaged and you are juggling extra housing expenses or paying for items not covered by insurance
You feel overwhelmed and confused by the FEMA aid or insurance application or appeal process
You’ve fallen behind on loan payments and want to minimize damage to your credit report
You’ve experienced increased out-of-pocket expenses and aren’t able to keep up on all of your bills
You’ve tapped savings, retirement, credit cards, or loans to finance your recovery and want to minimize the long-term negative impact to your finances

Basically, if the financial impact of a natural disaster is causing you distress and you aren't sure what to do next, Project Porchlight can be an unbiased, free source of advice and support.

Surviving a disaster can put you in a vulnerable position. That’s why it’s so important you get all the answers you need. If your question isn’t answered below, don’t hesitate to give us a call or submit a question through our appointment request form.

Is there a cost to use disaster recovery counseling?

No. Thanks to a generous grant from a major foundation, Project Porchlight is provided to survivors at no cost to them, for a limited time.

When should I connect with Project Porchlight?

Your first priority should be safety and the welfare of your family. Once you’re safe and things are stable, please don’t hesitate to connect with a Project Porchlight counselor.

How do I qualify for free disaster recovery counseling?

Post-disaster counseling from Project Porchlight is available for free to families and individuals who live in a county where a disaster has been declared at the state or federal level.

Do you offer disaster relief financial aid?

No. Project Porchlight is a program of MMI that supports disaster survivors through counseling, application assistance, creditor mediation, and resources or referrals, but we do not provide financial aid.

How long does a typical counseling session last?

The initial intake counseling session of anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. Monthly check-in coaching sessions can range from a few minutes up to an hour, depending on your needs.

How do I access Project Porchlight's online learning portal?

If you've already begun your counseling with a Porchlight counselor, you can use the account information provided to access the online learning portal found here.

"MMI helped me through a very bad crisis, worked very well with lots of leniency towards my situation. Quick responses and great customer service."

Obie J.
"This service was available at the right time for my situation. Without MMI my chances of recovery from an unforeseen financial difficulty would have been impossible to overcome. Thank you for being available to help when it’s needed most."

Ken
"MMI has helped me to get my finances back in order after a 3 month period of unemployment. They were kind and patient and came up with a plan that I can live with. Thanks so much!!"

Marty
"I want to thank MMI for their courtesy and kindness and for their ability to help me with the crisis I have been going through."

Rebecca P.

Receive expert guidance and support throughout the recovery process. Connect with a Porchlight counselor today to begin.

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