More Than 13,000 Hoosiers Apply For Disaster Assistance
March 22 Deadline Just Around the Corner
Release Date: March 11, 2005
Release Number: 1573-036
» More Information on Indiana Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- With the March 22 application deadline just around the corner, more than 13,000 Hoosiers in the 85 disaster-declared counties have already called or gone online to apply for assistance since January 21 when President Bush issued a major disaster declaration for the state. More than $10.5 million in grants has been approved for nearly 8,300 claims that have been processed thus far, according to figures released today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The following is an update of recovery activities as of close of business Thursday, March 10.
- 13,085 individuals from the 85 declared counties have applied for assistance.
- 8,275 claims have been approved for the Individuals and Household Program, totaling $10,584,432 in grants, which do not have to be repaid.
- More than 2,000 people have visited one of the 24 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Outreach Centers that were temporarily opened in various locations to help meet the needs of disaster victims. Five SBA centers are still open (see page 2).
- 6,619 home loan and 1,009 business loan applications have been issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
- SBA has approved 50 loans, totaling $740,900. SBA officials encourage anyone who has received a disaster loan application to turn it in as soon as possible. Failure to complete and return your SBA loan application could stop consideration for other assistance programs, including additional grants.
ASSISTANCE STILL A TOLL-FREE CALL AWAY
Individuals, families and business owners who suffered losses in the declared counties as a result of the severe winter storms and flooding that occurred between January 1 and February 11 should apply for assistance by calling FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairments). These numbers are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Multilingual operators are available to take your call. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to apply on FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov (upper right hand corner).
Recovery officials urge disaster victims to apply before the Tuesday, March 22 deadline. Those who have received insurance settlements should also call to update their claim information. Assistance can continue beyond the deadline, but March 22 will be the last day to call or apply online.
COMPLETE AND RETURN YOUR SBA LOAN APPLICATION
SBA officials announced today that a large percentage of disaster victims referred to the SBA by FEMA in the aftermath of this year’s severe winter storms and flooding occurring January 1st through February 11th have not returned their loan applications for processing. The filing deadline is March 22, for physical loss loans for individuals, homeowners and business owners.
“Homeowners, renters and businesses in need of assistance to repair or replace disaster damaged real and personal property are encouraged to return their loan applications as soon as possible,” said SBA Disaster Area Director Michael C. Allen. “There are still several Disaster Outreach Centers open where affected residents may still get help or they may call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 for assistance with their disaster loan application. Those who do not return their SBA applications may be missing out on additional assistance in the form of low-interest loans, or a referral to FEMA for additional help for individuals in the form of grants” stated Allen.
Statewide, SBA has received 530 loan applications of more than 7,600 distributed to Indiana residents. For more information about SBA's disaster loan program or for help with the loan application process, call SBA toll-free at 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339 for the speech or hearing-impaired. Applicants with Internet access may also get more information by visiting the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster
SBA Disaster Outreach Centers
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Jay County -- Jay County Circuit Court121 North Court Street #3, Portland
Delaware County – EMS Training Station #3, 4501 East Memorial Drive, Muncie
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Blackford County -- City Government Building, 700 North Walnut Street, Hartford City
Grant County – Marion Municipal Building, 301 South Branson Street, Marion
Randolph County – Randolph County EMA, 325 South Oak Street, Winchester
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DEBRIS CLEAN UP DAYS
The Hope Crisis Response Network has scheduled three Debris Clean Up Days to assist elderly or disabled Hoosiers remove debris on their personal property caused by the severe winter storms and flooding that occurred between January 1 and February 11.
Debris Clean Up Days are scheduled on the following dates:
Randolph County - Saturday March 12
Delaware County - Saturday March 19
City of Anderson - Saturday April 2
Volunteers can sign-up for one or more of the Debris Clean Up Days by calling the Hope Crisis Response Network at 1-866-909-4673. Community groups, organizations and businesses are welcome to participate. Individuals who need assistance cleaning up their property should call the same toll-free number and they will be contacted the Thursday before the clean-up effort in their area to finalize the arrangements.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Mar-2005 16:53:10