You don’t have to face it alone when dealing with fire damage to your uninsured home. There’s a network of support available, offering everything from immediate relief to long-term recovery.
In this article, you’ll find 15 such resources that can help you regain your footing and move forward after the fire.
Let’s see what your options are.
#1 American Red Cross
The American Red Cross responds to a wide range of crises, from local emergencies to large-scale disasters.
As a humanitarian nonprofit, it provides emergency assistance and support services and educates the public on safety and emergency preparedness.
The Red Cross is usually among the first to respond and provide disaster relief resources for house fire victims, whether individuals or entire communities.
They provide necessities like food, clothing, and emergency shelter. That’s accompanied by emotional support provided by disaster mental health volunteers who help those impacted cope with their loss.
In addition to addressing emergency needs, the Red Cross helps fire victims access a full range of recovery resources through their partnerships with local authorities and other organizations.
Contact American Red Cross.
#2 Americares
Americares is a global nonprofit that cares for people’s health needs after a disaster. They provide essential items like medications, medical supplies, and health support programs.
For homeowners dealing with the aftermath of a fire that caused widespread damage, that can mean getting over-the-counter medications, wound care supplies, and hygiene kits to get through the short term.
Their home fire disaster assistance is typically accessed through local emergency management agencies or collaborating organizations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army.
Even though they primarily respond in large-scale disasters, Americares may still assist after smaller fires through their partner network.
Connections can be made via first responders, the Red Cross, or local health clinics.
Contact Americares.
#3 Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities USA is a nationwide nonprofit that operates through a connected network of local agencies to provide support regardless of religious background.
Its work is integral to the support system for individuals and families facing crisis, including those recovering from house fires without insurance.
Based on local capacity and funding, they may provide urgent support, supplying everything from food, water, and diapers to case management, as well as direct financial assistance for fire victims.
They also partner with other community organizations and relief agencies to connect people with potential financial aid and ongoing support to help rebuild their lives.
Contact Catholic Charities USA.
#4 Community Action Agencies
State-designated Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are predominantly private nonprofit organizations. A few operate as part of city or county governments.
Regardless of their public or private status, CAA’s work involves helping low-income individuals achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
Many CAAs offer services addressing urgent needs, positioning them as organizations that help fire victims without insurance, as many would likely be eligible for their programs.
They often provide locally tailored crisis services such as emergency clothing, food pantries, referrals to disaster resources, and utility assistance for temporary housing.
Their case management approach can also aid homeowners in their recovery process.
Contact your local Community Action Agency.
#5 Disaster Legal Services
Disaster Legal Services (DLS) is a program provided through a partnership between FEMA and the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.
It’s free legal support for disaster survivors who lack the means to pay for these services otherwise.
As long as you live in the area covered by a federal disaster declaration, you can get help with matters like replacing legal papers lost in the fire, navigating insurance claims for medical bills, and understanding home repair contracts.
DLS can also help you understand and apply for grants for house fire victims — including FEMA disaster grants — and appeal FEMA decisions.
Contact Disaster Legal Services.
#6 FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FEMA assists individuals and communities affected by a presidentially declared disaster such as a hurricane, widespread flooding, or wildfires.
While direct FEMA aid isn’t generally provided for an individual, isolated house fire, uninsured homeowners in the declared disaster area may be eligible for FEMA house fire assistance.
That often comes in the form of grants, which can include financial help for temporary housing, home repairs, personal property replacement, or other fire-related needs like debris removal.
FEMA assistance isn’t automatic. You’ll need to fill out an application, turn in the requested documentation, and meet eligibility requirements.
Contact FEMA.
#7 Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is best known for building affordable housing for low-income families.
But, some local affiliates of this international nonprofit also offer fire damage help for homeowners after a widespread fire or an isolated incident.
As they do for their regular projects, these affiliates assess homeowner eligibility based on need, income, and willingness to contribute “sweat equity.”
Assistance can range from making critical repairs to rebuilding a home that was damaged or destroyed.
The scope of services for a given local Habitat for Humanity affiliate varies by what they’re equipped to handle and their available financial support.
Contact Habitat for Humanity.
#8 HOPE Inside Disaster
HOPE Coalition America, a division of the nonprofit organization Operation HOPE, powers the HOPE Inside Disaster program.
It provides financial recovery support to disaster survivors — including help for house fire victims — in federal disaster zones.
Rather than provide direct financial aid, HOPE Inside Disaster deploys financial coaches virtually and within on-site recovery centers to help survivors obtain resources needed for economic well-being.
They help individuals mitigate credit issues, apply for FEMA assistance, access Small Business Administration loans, prevent foreclosure, and plan for the future.
Embedding these coaches at counseling centers is a distinct approach made possible by their partnerships with the American Red Cross, FEMA, and industry leaders.
Contact HOPE Inside Disaster.
#9 Legal Aid Societies
These local nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost legal assistance to people who can’t afford it, a situation uninsured homeowners often find themselves in after a fire.
Unlike Disaster Legal Services, Legal Aid’s help isn’t tied to a federal disaster declaration. That makes them a valuable resource, even in a single or localized incident.
So, regardless of the fire scale, Legal Aid can help survivors with issues similar to those handled by DLS attorneys, such as replacing lost IDs or documents.
They can also be your voice when dealing with insurance companies (medical, life), or difficult landlords or contractors.
However, DLS has a specific focus and expertise in federal programs like FEMA, which Legal Aid’s capacity may vary in.
Find affordable legal aid.
#10 Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a critical source of immediate help for anyone facing the hardship of a house fire.
This nonprofit is known for providing extensive social services and operates through local chapters.
The Salvation Army house fire assistance often begins with food and water, emergency shelter, clothing, and necessities to address personal care needs.
But their help goes beyond direct aid. They also offer personalized case management to better understand specific needs and help homeowners get back on their feet.
Because the specific type and scope of emergency services and direct aid can vary by chapter, individuals needing assistance should contact their local Salvation Army directly.
Contact The Salvation Army.
#11 Small Business Administration
While the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) primary focus is helping small businesses succeed and grow through low-interest loans and counseling services, the agency also plays a part in disaster recovery.
Their disaster support is not just for small businesses but for homeowners, too.
When devastating floods, hurricanes, and house fires occur, the SBA steps in with direct loans to help homeowners recover. These loans help people repair or replace their houses and their personal belongings.
Although it’s not a grant and must be repaid, an SBA loan has favorable terms.
Below-market interest rates and repayment periods of up to 30 years make this government assistance for house fire victims an affordable solution for rebuilding without insurance.
Contact Small Business Administration.
#12 Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Providing person-to-person support, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is a national nonprofit that serves individuals and families in need.
This approach naturally extends to homeowners facing fire damage without insurance. Those homeowners don’t need to be Catholic to receive help, just in need.
SVdP operates through local groups of trained volunteers to provide fire relief assistance such as food, clothes, household items, and personal hygiene supplies.
They also offer help with finding a place to stay and paying utility bills while the family recovers.
Their work is further supported by a specialized division of SVdP — the Disaster Services Cooperation.
This arm of the organization provides a national framework for coordinating help with other disaster relief organizations.
Contact the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
#13 State and Local EMAs
These government-operated emergency management agencies (EMAs) have and run preparedness, response, and recovery programs.
While they typically do not directly provide financial help, they can still be a lifeline for uninsured, fire-impacted homeowners.
EMAs respond to various emergencies, including house fires, even when they’re not part of a federally declared disaster.
They do on-scene work like passing out emergency supplies, setting up or arranging for temporary shelter, and conducting damage assessments.
These agencies also connect homeowners with programs like FEMA or local nonprofits for financial relief, longer-term fire displacement assistance, or other critical services.
Contact your local emergency management agency.
#14 The 211 Helpline
When individuals dial 2-1-1, they connect with a central point of contact for community and disaster support services.
The 211 Helpline is a national network. However, the call centers are managed at a local or regional level.
So, homeowners affected by a fire can reach out to call specialists who know how to find help nearby.
They typically connect them with resources like emergency shelters, clothing providers, food banks, and programs that offer financial support.
The 211 Helpline basically becomes a free fire help center for anyone needing fire-related assistance.
Local United Ways usually support the Helpline and often operate the call centers. Local and state governments may also provide support, as well as private funders and corporations.
Contact the 211 Helpline.
#15 United Way
United Way is a national network of local, independent nonprofits, all with the mission of making lives better in their communities.
While they don’t offer on-the-ground support, local United Ways bring people together and raise money that can be directed to specific initiatives, including helping those whose homes have been lost or damaged in a fire.
They also work with local service providers to connect those impacted to needed support.
That often includes referrals to services accessible through the 211 Helpline, including financial aid for temporary housing or other essential services.
On top of that, they also frequently keep fundraising efforts going after the immediate crisis, helping fire victims secure long-term housing and replace belongings they lost.
Contact United Way.
FAQ
If my house caught on fire, where can I get help?
Your local fire department is the first place to turn to. They’ll usually know where you can get immediate help after a house fire.
That typically means them contacting a primary responder like the Red Cross — either at your request or automatically if:
- The fire caused major damage
- You’re left without essentials
- You have no insurance or shelter
Once the emergency is under control, the Red Cross can refer you to longer-term support.
Fire departments or local emergency management agencies may take the lead on immediate response in areas with limited resources but still connect you to the Red Cross.
How does the Red Cross help after a fire?
The Red Cross responds quickly after a house fire and provides on-the-ground fire aid.
That commonly includes emergency shelter, clothing, hot meals and snacks, toiletries, and supportive conversations. They can also help you replace medications or medical equipment.
You can expect crisis counseling and help contacting family or friends as part of their emotional and mental health support.
The Red Cross also has trained mental health professionals who can offer more in-depth emotional care, especially in traumatic situations.
Beyond short-term assistance, they work with you through case management to figure out what comes next. They also connect you with other disaster relief organizations for the longer term.
How long does the Red Cross help after a fire?
The Red Cross is heavily involved in the initial chaotic hours and days after a fire. But their care doesn’t end shortly after that.
As the situation stabilizes, their role usually shifts from direct, hands-on support to more sustained follow-up.
That can include a volunteer checking in on families, helping them with recovery planning, or connecting them with specific external resources on their path to that recovery.
Depending on the individual’s or family’s needs, this stage of involvement can range from a few weeks to a few months.
How do you get help after losing everything in a house fire?
Once the urgent needs are addressed, figuring out what to do after your house burns down starts with having someone to guide you.
A Red Cross caseworker, a local emergency management agency, or another disaster relief group can point you in the right direction.
They can help you create a plan and make the connections to carry it out. That means reaching out.
Government programs, such as FEMA, may offer financial assistance for repairs and rebuilding.
Nonprofit groups can lend a hand with replacing critical documents and personal and household belongings.
Community-based organizations often serve as hubs for accessing multiple local programs, and the 211 Helpline can connect you with varied assistance.
With a plan of action and the proper support, you can then rebuild piece by piece.
The Easiest Solution After a House Fire
Repairing or rebuilding a fire-damaged house takes time and money. When that’s not ideal or realistic, selling the property to a house buying company can be the easiest path forward.
These real estate investors buy properties for cash. They actively look for damaged or distressed properties, seeing their potential for increased value compared to move-in ready homes.
Selling to them comes with meaningful benefits such as these:
- Because poor condition won’t stop these companies from buying property, you can sell a fire-damaged house as is. You won’t have to worry about repairs.
- You can quickly put the property behind you, as these transactions close fast.
- Unlike typical buyers needing mortgages, these investors bring cash to closing. You avoid loan approval falling through, a real possibility with damaged homes.
- Choosing a cash investor cuts out the need for a real estate agent and a commission.
- A nice perk is that these buyers pay closing costs, meaning you walk away with more sales proceeds.
- There are no lender-required appraisals and inspections. That saves weeks of time.
If selling to a cash buyer feels like the right move, get a cash offer from local companies we’ve vetted for you. It’s an excellent way to compare your options and choose the best deal.
If you’re curious about alternative selling methods, our article on how to sell a fire-damaged house provides a complete overview.
If you’re still weighing your options, we also cover topics like the cost to repair a fire-damaged house and how long it takes to rebuild a house after a fire in separate guides.
So, you’ll have all the information you need to make the best decision for your situation.
