FEMA Denies Perry's Disaster Declaration Request

ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) -It's been about a month since Tropical Storm Hermine tore through North Texas. One of the hardest hit areas was a condominium complex in Arlington. The floodwater was so high, dozens of residents had to be rescued.

Because of this, Gov. Rick Perry asked the federal government to issue a disaster declaration for 13 Texas counties, including Tarrant and Denton. On Sunday, Perry learned that the request was denied.

The floodwaters have receded, but many residents still wonder what will happen to their homes.

Jennifer Fowler had lived in her condo for the past 12 years. In fact, she recently invested thousands of dollars in new flooring and an air conditioning unit. Now, Jennifer, her husband and three children feel as though they're homeless.

"My parents had to take in my husband and we have three kids, so we're all packed in at their house," she said. "We've had a lot of days where we cry, a lot of days where we argue because everything is up in the air," Jennifer said.

Jennifer didn't have insurance, and just learned she and her neighbors won't receive any help from the federal government.

Several members of Congress who represent the areas affected by Hermine sent a letter to President Obama supporting Perry's request for a federal declaration.

Rep. Michael Burgess, who represents Lewisville, said in a statement: "I am disappointed that the Obama Administration has refused to offer Texans the needed disaster declaration and assistance."

He continued, "Tropical Storm Hermine caused eight deaths, widespread flooding leading to more than 100 high water rescues, over 100 residences were destroyed and thousands of citizens were without water and electricity."

"This storm left behind a disaster - there is no doubt, and it is the responsibility of the federal government to aid the state and counties in clean-up and repairing the damage the storm caused," the statement read.

Meanwhile, all of the residents in the Arlington complex have been forced to leave, but many of them visit to see how their neighbors are coping and to pick up their belongings.

"I'm packing up a few things that were laying around, trying to get them in boxes," said Barbara Thompson, who's lived in her rented unit for several years.

Her home suffered little damage, and she was able to salvage most of her belongings. But, Barbara says the most difficult loss is her feeling of security.

"I've never been homeless before," Barbara said.