Hold On To Your Disaster Assistance
Release Date: November 17, 2004
Release Number: 1539-276
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Some Floridians are being cheated of their disaster assistance money by landlords and check cashing agencies, disaster recovery officials warned today.
Some tenants who received grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) for rent, housing or other needs were forced by landlords to turn over their checks.
Others who took their FEMA checks to check cashing stores were charged as much as $500, it was reported.
“People who suffered through this year’s hurricanes don’t deserve to be victimized again by predatory landlords or check-cashing shops,” said Bill Carwile, federal coordinating officer for the disaster recovery.
“Those disaster grants are to help people recover, not to line the pockets of the greedy,” said Craig Fugate, state coordinating officer.
Anyone who is cheated in this way can make a complaint by calling FEMA’s Legal Aid office toll-free at 1-866-550-2929. The legal aid is free.
The Florida Bankers Association advises hurricane victims to take insurance or emergency funds to a bank to make sure the funds are secure.
“The safest place for anyone’s money is in a bank,” said Florida Bankers Association CEO Alex Sanchez. “If a hurricane victim is presented with a check for repairs or replacement, we recommend taking those funds to a bank that can safely deposit the money until repairs can be made or the lost items can be replaced.”
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: Thursday, 18-Nov-2004 09:04:21