HOUSTON -- Nearly nine months after Hurricane Ike ravaged southeast Texas, the city of Houston received the first check for federal disaster relief money, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.

Mayor Bill White was presented a check for $87.2 million.

"Mayor, we wish you Godspeed and may these dollars help the people who need it," said the presenter of the check.

The majority of the money will be used to repair 13 storm-damaged apartment complexes in the Houston area.

Thousands of apartments need to be repaired so families can have affordable housing, White said.

"When you add to the housing stock of the community, that benefits everyone," he said.

White and other city leaders toured apartments that were repaired following Hurricane Rita with federal dollars.

More money is expected.

About 200 Houston families will qualify for funds to help repair their damaged homes.

Call the Houston Housing Department at 713-868-8300 to see if you qualify.