One week after historic flooding damaged homes across southern Brevard County, many neighbors are still cleaning out debris, weighing repair costs and waiting to learn whether federal disaster assistance could be on the way.

Homeowners in hard-hit neighborhoods have spent days hauling damaged furniture, flooring and personal belongings to the curb. Local groups, including the Red Cross and area churches, have stepped in to help, but some residents say the need is still overwhelming.

Ashley Banks, whose Palm Bay home was gutted after the flooding, said the financial strain has been immediate.

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“His entire paycheck last week is already gone,” Banks said while walking through the damaged home she shares with her fiancé. Banks said they are struggling to cover cleanup costs while also paying for basic needs and missing work.

“We can’t afford to clean this up. We can’t afford our basic necessities,” she said. “We’re desperate for FEMA.”

Brevard County Emergency Management said it is working to submit a request to the state for assistance, but the process takes time. Before FEMA can review a request, county officials said several agencies must assess the damage. After that, the governor would need to request a disaster declaration. FEMA would then review the request and make a recommendation to the president, who makes the final decision.

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For families already living paycheck to paycheck, the wait is difficult.

“We were already struggling,” Banks said. “We need help to get back to normal ASAP.”

The county has opened two resource centers for people impacted by the flooding. Officials said those centers are intended to connect residents with available support while the county continues working through the process of seeking state and federal aid.

• Tony Rosa Community Center, located at 1502 Port Malabar Rd., Palm Bay, FL
• Veterans Memorial Complex, located at 2285 Minton Rd., West Melbourne, FL

Each is will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and have representatives from the American Red Cross, community legal services, Florida departments of Children and Families, Elder Affairs and Business and Professional Regulation, as well as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

County leaders are continuing damage assessments and relief coordination. Residents impacted by the flooding are being urged to stay in contact with local officials as more information becomes available.