Disaster Housing Assistance Available To Those Whose Homes Are Unlivable Because Of Hurricane Ivan
Release Date: September 30, 2004
Release Number: 1554-012
» More Information on Georgia Hurricane Ivan
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Individuals and families whose homes were damaged or destroyed as a result of Hurricane Ivan may be eligible for disaster housing assistance, according to Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for the disaster recovery effort.
“Our top priority is to make sure that everyone is in safe, secure and livable housing,” Russo said. The disaster housing program is designed to provide immediate assistance to those whose homes were made unlivable because of Hurricane Ivan.
Administered by FEMA, the Individual and Households Program (IHP) provides housing assistance to those who have necessary expenses and serious needs. Rental assistance is available to renters and owners whose homes were destroyed or substantially damaged. Repair assistance is also available for homeowners who suffered damage to their primary residence.
“These grants are not intended to restore a home to its pre-disaster condition and cannot be used for cosmetic repairs covered by insurance,” Russo said. “To qualify for a limited home repair grant, the applicant must be an owner-occupant and the home must be the primary residence.”
Housing assistance is one of the programs available to Georgia residents in Carroll, Cherokee, Cobb, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Early, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Madison, Miller, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union, and White counties as a result of the disaster declaration issued by President Bush following the Hurricane.
“With so many families impacted by Hurricane Ivan, we want to make sure the residents in the 17 declared counties register with FEMA for assistance,” said State Coordinating Officer Mike Sherberger, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).
Anyone who sustained hurricane damage or losses, and lives in a disaster-declared county, may register for disaster assistance by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Although the lines are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they are currently experiencing an unprecedented volume of calls due to multiple hurricanes that have affected people in many states. Callers are urged to be patient and to call late in the evening or very early in the morning when call volume is often lighter.
Callers are advised to have the following information available to help speed up the application process:
- Your current phone number.
- Your Social Security number, if available.
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered.
- If insured, your insurance policy number, or the agent’s and company name.
- General financial information.
- Bank account code if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.
Residents should contact their insurance agent first and then they should call FEMA to apply. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 01-Oct-2004 09:14:08