Disaster Housing Assistance Available 

Release Date: April 14, 2006
Release Number: 1636-002

» More Information on Arkansas Severe Storms and Tornadoes

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Individuals and families whose homes were damaged as a result of storms and tornadoes from April 1 through April 3 may be eligible for disaster housing assistance, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

"Our top priority is to make sure that everyone has safe, livable housing," Federal Coordinating Officer Carlos Mitchell said. "The disaster housing program is designed to provide immediate assistance to those whose homes were made unlivable because of the severe weather at the beginning of the month."

Administered by FEMA, the disaster housing program provides two types of assistance. Rental assistance is available to owners or tenants whose homes were destroyed or substantially damaged so they can have a place to live while repairs are being made. Grants for limited home repairs are available to homeowners for repairs needed to make a residence habitable. Examples of work could include essential repairs to electrical, plumbing, heating, and mechanical systems, as well as general carpentry to make a home safe and habitable.

"These grants are not intended to completely restore a home to its pre-disaster condition and also are not intended for cosmetic repairs or repairs covered by insurance," Mitchell said. "To qualify for a home repair grant, the applicant must be an owner-occupant and the home must be the primary residence."

Residents who applied for disaster assistance can expect to hear from an inspector who will schedule a visit to look at damaged property. FEMA schedules inspections within 7 to 10 days to verify losses. The U.S. Small Business Administration sends loss verifiers to inspect the damaged property of those who have submitted completed loan applications. Local building and safety inspectors also may conduct an inspection to verify the damaged structure is safe.

Housing assistance is one of the disaster recovery programs available to Arkansas residents in Conway, Cross, Fulton, Greene, Lawrence, Randolph and White counties as a result of the disaster declaration issued by President Bush on April 13.

Anyone who sustained storm or tornado damage or losses, and lives or works in a disaster-declared county, may register for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free number from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The hearing- and speech-impaired may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Individuals and business owners may also register online using the Online Individual Assistance Center.

Last Modified: Monday, 17-Apr-2006 10:15:54