More Than $6 Million Approved For Disaster Aid
Release Date: November 15, 2002
Release Number: 1439-10
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Corpus Christi, TX -- State and federal officials announce that more than $6 million has been approved in disaster grants throughout the seven designated counties affected by the October storm system, which began on October 24.
- Registrations for disaster assistance number more than 6,000 and officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have inspected more than 3,000 properties. State and federal officials say there is currently an estimated turnaround time of less than two and a half days from the date an application is processed to the actual inspection date.
- Approved eligible amounts for disaster housing assistance, in the seven county area, total more than $2.9 million. Disaster Housing Assistance checks are approved for individuals whose property was damaged or who have incurred temporary housing expenses as a result of the storm system.
- More than $3.2 million has been approved for Other Needs Assistance, which may include medical, dental and funeral expenses as well as personal property, transportation, and other disaster-related serious needs.
- A joint mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Corpus Christi served almost 200 people this week. Two joint DRCs are scheduled to open on Saturday. One center will be located at 3908B Leopard St., Corpus Christi and the mobile center will be at the Precinct 1A Voting Center, Stapp Rd. & N. Commercial in Aransas.
- Individuals who sustained disaster-related losses as a result of the October 24 tornadoes, severe storms and flooding must re-register for this disaster even though they may have received assistance for a previous disaster. Those who have not yet registered need to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. The registration lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
- Crisis counselors for anyone suffering from emotional stress are available at each DRC and contact information for regional Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation centers can also be obtained at the DRC.
- Volunteer agencies report that one Red Cross shelter remains open in Corpus Christi. Resources are being developed in all affected areas and an Interfaith is in operation in Corpus Christi with Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopal and Baptist participation.
- A legal hotline has been established for those who were affected by the disaster and need legal assistance. The line is operated by FEMA under contract with the American Bar Associations Young Lawyers Division and in cooperation with the Texas Bar Association. Volunteer lawyers are available to provide disaster related advice free of charge. Those in need of advice can call 1-800-504-7030 twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and leave a message for a representative to get back in touch with them. This assistance is available to all Texas victims in the seven declared counties.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to workers who were affected by the disaster and who would not be eligible for regular unemployment. Those who believe they are eligible for assistance may call the Texas Workforce Commission at 1-800-939-6631 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Disaster victims can talk with a representative or file a claim. When calling to apply for benefits be sure to have your social security number and the name and address of your last employer or prospective employer. The last possible week of compensation is the week ending May 19, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 21-Apr-2003 14:56:19