Money still available 1 year after fire

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - The Bastrop fires were more devastating that anyone could have imagined. Many have struggled since and are still trying to rebuild their lives and their homes.

The funding is part of a total $31 million available from the federal government and Seller wants more people to take advantage of it.

"We have not seen the volume of applications that we anticipated -- we're not sure why," added Sellers. "We definitely would like to serve them because we think the need is there."

Lutheran Social Services, which helps with a variety of disaster-relief efforts statewide, is also trying to get the word out. They usually start helping with basic needs.

"A family is displaced from their home, they need a place to go" said Scott Carroll of Lutheran Social Services. "They might need money to check into a hotel or get a meal or buy clothes."

They also work with the General Land Office trying to facilitate the grant process.

"We're trying to make it as easy as possible. You can go to the office in Bastrop," said Scott Carroll of Lutheran Social Services. "You can also call us we have a toll-free number. You can do everything online -- you fill it out and send us your application."

They want people to get the word out and help families become homeowners again.

"At the end of the day there's going to be quite a few people that are going to feel very fortunate that these funds were made available," added Carroll. "Hopefully we're going to help as many people as possible get back on their feet."

People have until Sept. 28 to apply for money to rebuild their homes using funds that are administered through the Texas General Land Office of or Lutheran Social Services.

For more information, call 1-855-706-7556, or apply online.