More Than $2.3 Billion In Expedited Fema Aid Already Delivered To Hurricane Katrina Victims
Release Date: October 2, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-316
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed more than $2.3 billion in expedited federal assistance to hundreds of thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims in just over four weeks. In addition to immediate needs assistance for victims of Hurricane Katrina, the expedited Transitional Housing Assistance program has already reached nearly 335,000 families one week after coming online.
The funds made available to address critical needs such as food, clothing and shelter in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, has shifted to a more comprehensive program to address longer-term needs. The Transitional Housing program provides $2,358, the national average for a two-bedroom unit for three months, up front for every eligible household. More than $788 million is already being distributed to Katrina victims under this program, giving people options to help meet interim housing needs immediately. Additionally, the Department of Housing and Urban Development is distributing housing vouchers of up to 18 months to eligible Hurricane Katrina victims to assist with temporary housing needs.
Eligible households affected by Hurricane Katrina are receiving this FEMA expedited housing assistance if their application matches satellite mapping of the most heavily impacted areas. Assistance for victims outside the target impact zone is contingent on verification of ownership and damage.
Under FEMA’s Individual and Households Program, an eligible household may receive up to $26,200 in reimbursement grants for disaster-damaged property; this includes the $2,000 immediate needs assistance and $2,358 transitional housing assistance programs. In addition, the Small Business Administration offers $200,000 loans to eligible homeowners for repairs to damaged primary residences and $40,000 loans are available for eligible homeowners and renters to replace personal property.
Along with the Transitional Housing Assistance, the National Flood Insurance Program has already provided more than $150 million in partial flood insurance claims as inspectors assess the full damage to affected homes. For victims still needing to register for assistance, please call 1-800-621 FEMA (TTY 1-800-462-7585) or go online to www.fema.gov.
Households (in declared counties or parishes) affected by Rita are currently able to apply for immediate needs assistance of $2,000 with more than $203 million currently being distributed to nearly 102,000 families. As in the case of Katrina, this assistance will be made available for people to address their most serious emergency needs until further forms of longer term assistance are provided. The overall goal of FEMA disaster assistance is to help to victims get back on their feet. Expedited assistance efforts may be adjusted to best address changing needs.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 03-Oct-2005 09:17:44