HOUSTON - The number of families asking for FEMA money after Harvey inundated much of Houston and Southeast Texas has increased to more than 573,000.

  

A spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Tuesday that 180,000 of those Texas families have been approved to receive grants that can be used to make home repairs or replace property damaged in a natural disaster.

  

FEMA's Tiana Suber said residents who aren't approved for FEMA grants can apply for low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration. Homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses of all sizes can get those loans.

  

Suber also said about 56,000 Texas residents displaced by Harvey are in government-funded hotel rooms.

  

Once people are granted the assistance, there is a minimum allotment of 14 days, but that can be extended if necessary.