More Than $22 Million Approved For Disaster Aid
Release Date: December 6, 2002
Release Number: 1439-30
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Corpus Christi, TX -- Disaster aid has reached more than $22 million, according to state and federal officials. The following is a weekly update of the disaster recovery effort.
- Registrations for disaster assistance number more than 13,000 and officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have inspected almost 9,000 properties.
- Approved eligible amounts for disaster housing assistance, in the 17-county disaster area, total more than $9.8 million. Disaster Housing Assistance checks are approved for qualified individuals whose property was damaged or who have incurred temporary housing expenses as a result of the storm system.
- More than $9.7 million has been approved for Other Needs Assistance, which may include medical, dental and funeral expenses as well as personal property, transportation, and other disaster-related serious needs.
- The 17 designated counties eligible for Individual Assistance are: Aransas, Brazoria, Cameron, Fort Bend, Hardin, Harris, Hildago, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Liberty, Montgomery, Nueces, Orange, San Jacinto, and San Patricio.
- There are currently four Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) open to serve those in the disaster-designated counties who need disaster-related information. Almost 800 people have received information from the DRC at Leopard St., Corpus Christi; more than 800 people have visited the DRC at 17507 Imperial Valley Drive in Houston; more than 300 victims have been assisted at St. Andrews Church Hall on 1350 North 23 rd St. in Beaumont; and more than 200 people have sought information at the National Guard Armory, 1198 Bluntzer Rd. in Robstown. A DRC at the Hidalgo Community Center, 102 Allende St. in Taft will open on Sat., Dec. 7.
- Individuals who sustained disaster-related losses as a result of the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding from Oct. 24 - Nov. 15, must re-register for this disaster even though they may have received assistance for a previous disaster. Those who have not yet registered need to call 1-800-621 FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. The registration lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued more almost 6,000 applications and approved more than $2.6 million for low-interest loans to business owners, homeowners and renters.
- Long after a disaster has passed, both adults and children can be affected by stress. Crisis counselors are available at each DRC for anyone suffering from disaster-related emotional stress. Contact information for regional Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation centers can also be obtained at the DRC. Assistance is readily available for Spanish-speaking individuals.
- Flooding is the leading cause of property loss from natural disasters in this country. Buying a national flood insurance policy is the first line of defense against economic losses caused by flooding. Anyone can buy flood insurance if his or her community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. For information, call the NFIP, toll-free, at 1-800-720-1090.
- Informational meetings for voluntary agencies are in the process of being set up for Jim Wells, and Hidalgo Counties. A Voluntary Agency meeting in Kleberg County is scheduled for Dec. 12, with a 12:00 p.m meeting following an 11:30 a.m. lunch, at Kingsville Naval Air Station, Club 19, Kingsville. Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) will hold a formation meeting in Beaumont on Dec.11 at the Beaumont Red Cross Chapter (time of meeting to be finalized).
- A legal hotline has been established for those who were affected by the disaster and need legal assistance. The line is operated by FEMA under contract with the American Bar Association's Young Lawyers' Division and in cooperation with the Texas Bar Association. Volunteer lawyers are available to provide disaster-related advice free of charge. Those in need of advice can call 1-800 504-7030 twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and leave a message for a representative to get back in touch with them. This assistance is available to all Texas victims in the 17 designated counties.
- Those who are repairing their home or business from storm damage need to understand that repairs must comply with the building code for windstorm resistant construction if they wish to insure their property with the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
- Federal/state mitigation specialists are part of the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) staff and can offer information to DRC visitors on ways to reduce future disaster-related damages. They also have informative written mitigation materials available to the public.
- For many victims, Disaster Unemployment Assistance deadlines may be drawing near. Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to workers who were affected by the disaster and who would not be eligible for regular unemployment. Those who believe they are eligible for assistance or those who need information on benefits and application deadlines may call the Texas Workforce Commission at 1-800-939-6631 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-Apr-2003 09:15:29