The Red Cross responds to complaints about assistance

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Dozens of Hurricane Harvey victims are growing frustrated, reaching out to ABC13 to say they're being denied help by the Red Cross.

A lot of confusion and a lot of questions exist for homeowners struggling to recover from Harvey.

The Red Cross launched their new and improved website Thursday.

Residents impacted by the storm are encouraged to go on the website and apply for assistance.

The frustration comes after many receive responses like this one which read, in part, "based on the info provided you do not qualify for Hurricane Harvey immediate assistance."

The Red Cross says they've paid out $70 million to nearly 175,000 Texas households.

The agency says they are not able to help all flood victims. They're focused on those severely impacted.

ABC13 pressed the Red Cross president about who exactly qualifies. She said they're focusing on the areas hit hard, those people who were displaced for several days, and those in need of immediate essentials.

The Red Cross said if you're been denied emergency assistance you can appeal. If you're rejection notification does not have an appeal link, call 1-800-RED-CROSS to process the appeal.

The Red Cross president did encourage anyone denied assistance to appeal the decision. You can find more information on the Red Cross website.