Two Weeks Left To Apply For Federal Assistance For August 8 Storm Damage
Release Date: October 29, 2007
Release Number: 1728-004b
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NEW YORK, N. Y. -- Homeowners, renters, and business owners who suffered damages from the August 8 storms and flooding have two weeks left to register for disaster recovery assistance. Friday, November 16 is the last day to register.
"We dont want anyone with disaster damages to miss this opportunity for federal and state assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "The first step is to register and find out what you are eligible for."
The level of damage caused by the August 8 storm allowed Governor Eliot Spitzer to ask President Bush to sign a major disaster declaration for New York State. Residents and business owners in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens whose property was damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance are eligible to apply for disaster assistance programs.
"There are resources available to help you if your home or business suffered damages from the August 8 storm," said State Coordinating Officer John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO). "
Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offer financial aid for homeowners and renters as well as businesses of all sizes to repair or rebuild from disaster-related damages. Homeowners and renters also may be eligible for housing grants. Disaster unemployment assistance and tax assistance are also available.
Anyone affected by the August 8 storms can register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired, from Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., or online at www.fema.gov.
After registering, people can get answers to questions about their FEMA application and help in filling out an SBA low-interest loan package by meeting with a disaster specialist at one of the SBA-FEMA Recovery Centers in Queens or Brooklyn. The locations and hours are as follows:
- QUEENS: SBA-FEMA Mobile Recovery Center in Jamaica, located at Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York in the parking lot at 111-17 Merrick Boulevard. (between 111th Avenue and 111th Road) Jamaica, NY 11433. Hours are Monday thru Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- QUEENS: SBA-FEMA Recovery Center in Rego Park, located at the Lost Battalion Hall at 93-29 Queens Boulevard (between 62nd Avenue and 62nd Road), Rego Park, NY 11374. Hours are Monday thru Friday (closed weekends), from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- BROOKLYN: SBA-FEMA Recovery Center in Bay Ridge, located at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, 552 59th Street (at 6th Avenue) in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY 11220. Hours are Monday thru Friday (closed weekends), from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
"The November 16 deadline is coming up quickly. If you know someone who was affected by the August 8 storm, please encourage them to take a few minutes to register with FEMA and learn how we can help them," added Jackson
FEMA coordinates the federal governments role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 30-Oct-2007 20:20:31