New Jersey Recovery Assistance Update #3
Release Date: December 3, 1999
Release Number: 1295-27
» More Information on New Jersey Hurricane Floyd
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- With the extended deadline to register for federal disaster assistance approaching on December 17, 1999, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging those affected by Hurricane Floyd to call their toll-free teleregistration number - 1-800-462-9029.
As of close of business on December 2, 1999, 20,124 New Jersey residents have registered, and state, federal and volunteer assistance has been provided as follows:
- More than $25.2 million in Disaster Housing Assistance grants to help over 12,300 households
- More than $6.1 million in Public Assistance grants to repair damaged public buildings, eligible non-profit facilities and community infrastructure in 21 New Jersey counties.
- More than $150,000 for immediate crisis counseling
- More than $7.6 million in the Individual & Family Grant Programs for families and individuals to meet disaster-related serious needs and necessary expenses not covered by other governmental assistance programs
- More than $63.7 million approved in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans to individuals and businesses
- The opening of two SBA workshops, in Bergen and Passaic Counties, to answer questions and assist with loan applications. A toll-free number was also established to streamline access to applications for business owners in New Jersey (800-659-2955)
- Disaster Recovery Centers have provided service to more than 4,000 people. The Somerville center will remain open through December 17th with representatives from a full range of assistance programs, including the SBA and FEMA's Mitigation division
- New Jersey residents have received Disaster Unemployment Assistance totaling over $174,000 as a result of Hurricane Floyd
- Many volunteer organizations have been active in New Jersey's disaster response and recovery. The American Red Cross has assisted over 2,400 individual families and served over 143,000 meals. Other groups providing assistance include The Salvation Army, who continues to provide a canteen service for those in need, AT&T Telephone Pioneers, Catholic Charities, Community Food Bank of New Jersey and We Will Rebuild
- Disaster legal services are being provided pro bono to New Jersey residents by the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association. Some of the services provided include assistance with insurance claims, home repair contracts, consumer protection matters, housing problems and replacement of important legal documents destroyed in the disaster. The toll-free number for disaster legal aid is 1-800-310-7029.
Again, anyone who has not yet begun the assistance process should call FEMA's toll-free registration number at 1-800-462-9029. People who are interested in the status of their filed applications may call the Disaster Helpline at 1-800-525-0321.
People with speech or hearing impairments may call 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). The hours for all phone banks are 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Saturday.
Last Modified: Friday, 05-Dec-2003 12:44:09