New Jersey Recovery Assistance Update #4
Release Date: December 10, 1999
Release Number: 1295-29
» More Information on New Jersey Hurricane Floyd
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- There are now only 7 more days to register for federal disaster assistance by the December 17, 1999, deadline. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials are encouraging all those affected by Hurricane Floyd to call the toll-free teleregistration number at 1-800-462-9029 as soon as possible.
As of close of business on December 9, 1999, 20,270 New Jersey residents have registered, and state, federal and volunteer assistance has been provided as follows:
- Nearly $25.8 million in Disaster Housing Assistance grants to help over 12,600 households;
- More than $6.6 million in Public Assistance grants to repair damaged public buildings, eligible non-profit facilities and community infrastructure in 21 New Jersey counties.
- More than $150,000 for immediate crisis counseling;
- More than $8.7 million in the Individual & Family Grant Programs for families and individuals to meet disaster-related serious needs and necessary expenses not covered by other governmental assistance programs;
- Disaster Recovery Centers have provided service to more than 4,200 people. The Somerville center will be closing at 6:00pm on Saturday December 11, 1999. The facility will become an SBA Workshop for the week of December 13 through December 17, 1999;
- More than $74.8 million approved in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans to individuals and businesses;
- Three SBA workshops have been established, in Bergen, Passaic and Somerset Counties, to answer questions and assist with loan applications. A toll-free number was also established to streamline access to applications for business owners in New Jersey (800-659-2955);
- New Jersey residents have received Disaster Unemployment Assistance totaling over $231,000 as a result of Hurricane Floyd;
- Many volunteer organizations have been active in New Jersey's disaster response and recovery. The American Red Cross has assisted over 2,400 individual families and served over 143,000 meals. Others aid groups include The Salvation Army, who continues to provide a canteen service for those in need, AT&T Telephone Pioneers, Catholic Charities, Community Food Bank of New Jersey and We Will Rebuild;
- Disaster legal services are being provided pro bono by NJ State Bar Association members to New Jersey residents through the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association. Those in need of disaster legal aid should call 1-800-310-7029 for assistance.
Also though December 9, 1999,disaster assistance has been provided on the following county-specific basis:
| Disaster Housing Assistance | ||
| County | Total # Cases Approved | Total $ Amount |
| Bergen | 3,937 | $8,285,267 |
| Essex | 1,173 | $2,291,070 |
| Hunterdon | 275 | $543,764 |
| Mercer | 185 | $295,705 |
| Middlesex | 667 | $1,202,918 |
| Morris | 522 | $810,251 |
| Passaic | 2,053 | $3,772,517 |
| Somerset | 2,766 | $6,873,484 |
| Union | 910 | $1,585,476 |
| TOTAL* | 12,488 | $25,660,452 |
| Disaster Housing Assistance | ||
| County | Total # Cases Approved | Total $ Amount |
| Bergen | 995 | $2,622,227 |
| Essex | 205 | $306,150 |
| Hunterdon | 30 | $72,739 |
| Mercer | 42 | $87,030 |
| Middlesex | 146 | $323,511 |
| Morris | 72 | $161,092 |
| Passaic | 534 | $1,180,433 |
| Somerset | 902 | $3,784,765 |
| Union | 140 | $221,724 |
| TOTAL | 3,066 | $8,759,681 |
Again, anyone who has not yet begun the assistance process should call FEMA's teleregistration number at 1-800-462-9029 through Friday, December 17, 1999. People who are interested in the status of their filed applications may call the Disaster Helpline at 1-800-525-0321. Those with speech or hearing impairments may call 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). The hours for all phone banks are 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Saturday.
Last Modified: Friday, 05-Dec-2003 10:55:45