“Release the Money Now”: Congressman Danny K. Davis, Local Leaders Demand FEMA Relief for Chicago Flood Victims

      Chicago, IL – Today, Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), joined by state and local officials, community leaders, and residents, held a press conference demanding the immediate release of FEMA disaster relief funds to support families across Chicago still reeling from devastating flooding.

     Congressman Davis emphasized that while federal dollars have been appropriated, too many residents have yet to see relief. “Release the money now,” Davis declared. “We have seen basements destroyed, families displaced, and entire blocks left unlivable. It is unacceptable that, despite money being allocated, the funds are not reaching the people who need them most. We are calling on the President and FEMA to act.”

     Community advocate Jackie Reed highlighted grassroots efforts to help seniors and families clean out flooded basements, noting, “We’ve raised what we can, and neighbors have stepped up, but a water hose from one house is not enough. We need the government to do its part. We are also in the United States of America, and our communities deserve the same investment and relief as any other.”

      State Representative La Shawn K. Ford echoed the urgency and suggested that the National Guard should be deployed to assist residents with flooded basements: “This is what the Guard is typically engaged for—helping communities in crisis. People are dying from mold and toxic air in their homes. The President must declare a state of emergency, release federal funds, and invest in modernizing our aging infrastructure.”

      Alderman Emma Mitt of the 37th Ward shared her personal experiences, having had her own home flooded five times. She called for urgent infrastructure investments, warning that without action, families will continue to face health hazards like toxic mold.

      Residents like Bernice McKnight underscored the human toll. “I can’t go in my basement, it’s covered in black mold. My neighbors are sick, and we don’t have the money to fix it. We need help, and we need it now.”

      Speakers emphasized the need for two streams of funding: immediate relief for homeowners and long-term capital investments in infrastructure to prevent future disasters. They also noted that thousands of homes remain unaddressed from the 2023 floods, with new flooding compounding the crisis.

      In closing, Congressman Davis called for continued advocacy: “We must keep pushing. Decision makers in Washington need to hear our voices loud and clear: release the money, rebuild our communities, and give our families a chance to live safely in their homes.”

Background

• In 2023, federal relief was approved for over 16,000 flood-affected residents, but thousands were left without assistance due to bureaucratic barriers.

• More than 5,600 homes have since been re-flooded, many now suffering severe mold damage.

• FEMA funds appropriated for Illinois remain stalled, while legal challenges continue at the national level.

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