First Disaster Assistance Checks on the Way; More Than a Quarter Million Dollars Approved 

Release Date: September 19, 2002
Release Number: 1432-10

» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding

Ladysmith, WI -- In little more than a week since the President declared 19 counties in Wisconsin a major disaster area, more than a quarter of a million dollars in disaster housing assistance grants and low-interest loans has been approved, state and federal officials announced today.

"This early in the recovery process our concern is for people's housing needs. For some, the housing assistance check is just the first check they will receive," said Gracia Szczech, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) federal coordinating officer.

Already 45 disaster housing grants, totaling $67,880, and six low-interest disaster housing loans for $216,300 from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have been approved. A total of 266 residents have already called to apply.

Disaster housing assistance comes in the form of grants for alternate rental housing, emergency repairs needed to make a residence habitable, and mortgage or rental assistance in cases where the disaster has caused extreme economic hardship. "This assistance serves as an interim solution to people's housing needs until long-term solutions are addressed, typically through insurance or loans," Alan B. Shanks, Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) state coordinating officer, said.

People in the declared counties who suffered damage or loss in the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on September 2 can apply for assistance by calling, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). There is also a special toll-free number, TTY 1-800-462-7585, for those with a speech or hearing impairment. Phone lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate applicants for their entire loss. The government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance through grants that do not have to be paid back or low-interest loans. FEMA representatives will explain the details when people call. Residents should contact their insurance agents first but do not need to wait until their settlement is finalized before calling FEMA to apply for coverage of unmet needs.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 13:02:50