More Than $8 Million Approved For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: June 22, 2007
Release Number: 1697-042
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms and Tornadoes
EAGLE PASS, Texas -- More than $8 million in disaster aid has been approved for residents and businesses in the five Texas counties, Atascosa, Denton, Maverick, Moore and Swisher, affected by the severe storms and tornadoes of April 21-24.
Recovery summary information is as follows:
- More than 1,635 individuals have applied for assistance by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) toll-free registration number at: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Multilingual operators are also available. Those affected by the storms can also register online at www.fema.gov. The deadline to apply for assistance is July 2, 2007.
- Those who suffered disaster-related damages and losses from the April 21-24 severe storms and tornadoes are reminded to register with FEMA as soon as possible and not to rule themselves out as being eligible for disaster assistance. Even those with insurance are encouraged to register as insurance may not cover all damages and losses. Making that important toll-free phone call or registering online at www.fema.gov is the only way to apply for FEMA assistance. After registering, you can also check the status of the application online at www.fema.gov.
- More than $3.8 million has been approved to help disaster-affected Texans with temporary housing and home repairs.
- Nearly $700,000 has been approved for the repair or replacement of personal property and disaster-related transportation, medical, dental and funeral expenses.
- More than 1,262 damage inspections have been completed. Those who may be awaiting an inspector are reminded to keep their appointments to speed recovery assistance.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved over $3.3 million in low-interest, disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.
- 2,283 people visited Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to: talk face to face with a recovery specialists, get help filling out an SBA loan application and check the status of their applications.
- People living or working in the five (Atascosa, Denton, Maverick, Moore and Swisher) disaster-designated counties whose jobs were affected by the severe storms and tornadoes on April 21-24 may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Those who think they may be are eligible or need more information can call the TWC at 800-939-6631. So far, $2,727 has been approved for DUA.
Claims had to have been filed by June 2, 2007 for persons living or working in Maverick, Moore and Swisher Counties. The deadline for Denton County was June 7, 2007, and the deadline for Atascosa County is June 25, 2007.
- The State Bar of Texas established a Disaster Hotline at 800-504-7030 to assist people in Atascosa, Denton, Maverick, Moore and Swisher counties with basic legal questions. These may include advice on replacing lost documents, housing-landlord-tenant disputes, consumer rights and insurance questions.
- Crisis counseling is available for those who live in disaster-designated counties of Atascosa, Denton, Maverick, Moore and Swisher. If you or someone you know is suffering from signs of stress, you are encouraged to call one of the following crisis counseling centers: Atascosa County - 1-800-543-5750; Denton County - 1-800-762-0157; Maverick County - 1-800-543-5750; Moore County - 1-800-692-4039; and Swisher County - 1-800-687-1300.
- Voluntary agencies continue to respond to the needs of disaster victims. The Unmet Needs Committee in Swisher and Moore counties is currently doing casework. The Interfaith Long-term Recovery Committee has a case management program in Maverick County. Both the Salvation Army and the Organization for Disaster Relief (ORD) are gearing up to provide services for victims of the recent severe storms and flooding.
- Beginning June 11, victims could call the Salvation Army, 830-752-1323, between 9:00 a.m. and 12 noon. and 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays to make an appointment or obtain information about available services. Victims who need help with repairs to their homes or replacement of household goods should call Interfaith, 830-773-3208; or ODR, 830-773-5588.
- The FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) is also available Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those who want to check on the status of their application or talk with an operator can call and choose the appropriate calling option. The status of an application can be checked online at www.fema.gov.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Friday, 22-Jun-2007 14:48:33