Post-Disaster Financial Recovery Counseling Services

What is disaster recovery counseling?

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

Project Porchlight is available for free to all families and individuals living in a county where federal or state-declared disaster has occurred. Working with a certified counselor, you’ll create a personalized recovery plan. You’ll also receive ongoing support and assistance completing applications for FEMA aid and submitting relevant insurance claims.

Project Porchlight is not a Day 1 resource. Make sure you’ve addressed your basic needs first before worrying about your finances.

How does it work?

There are four main components to Project Porchlight:

Developing your 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.

Applying for FEMA aid and insurance payments

If aid is available, our trained professionals will guide you through the often complicated application and appeals process. At the same time, we’ll 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.

Continuing education and encouragement

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’s it for?

Project Porchlight is available to anyone in the United States impacted by a natural disaster.

Do any of these apply to you?

Income or employment interrupted due to disaster
Home damaged and not all repairs are covered by insurance
FEMA aid and insurance application process are confusing or overwhelming
Mortgage and other debt payments have fallen behind
Out-of-pocket expenses are more than you can handle
Savings, credit cards, and retirement are exhausted and you don’t know what to do next

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.

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 the safety and 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 an MMI program 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.

Project Porchlight is here to help you pick up the pieces and return to a life of stability and security.

Speak to a counselor

Begin counseling with the next available specialist.

877-833-1742

Request an appointment

Schedule an appointment that’s convenient for you.

Submit a request

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

Already a client?

Access the Porchlight learning portal.

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National Foundation for Credit Counseling

MMI is a longstanding member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®), the nation’s largest nonprofit financial counseling organization. Founded in 1951, the NFCC’s mission is to promote financially responsible behavior and help member organizations like MMI deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services.