FEMA Toll-Free Housing Locator Service Helps Evacuees Transition By Dec. 1
Release Date: November 18, 2005
Release Number: 1606-082
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Rita
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with state and local officials, as well as area organizations, to transition some 50,000 hurricane Katrina and Rita evacuees by Dec. 1 into longer-term apartments and houses. FEMA has established a toll-free Housing Locator Service at 800-762-8740.
Evacuees also may call 866-373-9509 or TTY 800-877-8339 for hearing- and speech-impaired. Homeless persons or displaced public housing residents can use the number to inquire about a similar Department of Housing and Urban Development program.
- To be considered for a wide range of services and financial assistance, hurricane Katrina and Rita victims first must register with FEMA by Jan. 11, 2006. The toll-free number is 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the hearing- and speech-impaired. Applicants also may visit their local Disaster Recovery Center. Those already registered should call to update their file information, check status or ask questions.
- FEMA already has provided more than $517 million in assistance to some 289,000 individuals affected by Hurricane Rita since the Sept. 24 federal disaster declaration and has disbursed more than one million dollars in Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The deadline for DUA is Nov. 30.
A snapshot of other disaster aid in Texas in response to Hurricane Rita: - As of close of business Nov. 18, 473,814 individuals and families had registered.
- Seven fixed Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in Texas. To date, nearly 285,141 state residents or temporary evacuees residing in the state have visited the centers to speak with recovery specialists. The final Mobile Recovery Center will close at noon on Nov. 23 in Woodville, TX, in Tyler County.
- DRC programs and services include grants to help pay for temporary housing, minor home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance and other sources; referrals to crisis counseling, free legal aid and Disaster Unemployment Assistance; and low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover uninsured or underinsured losses to the primary residence and contents.
- Applicants may qualify for Other Needs Assistance. These state-administered grants help homeowners and renters with serious needs and necessary expenses caused by the disaster and may be used to help pay for:
- Disaster-related medical and dental costs
- Household items and clothing
- School supplies and tools required for an applicant’s job
- Items used to get applicants back in their damaged homes, such as a generator, chainsaw, air purifier, humidifier or dehumidifier. These cleanup items are eligible for reimbursement if they were purchased between Sept. 22 and Oct. 21, 2005. Applicants should save receipts.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), cities and counties have hauled away an estimated 5.7 million cubic yards of debris. The new total estimate of debris from Hurricane Rita in Texas is 8.35 million cubic yards.
- The USACE estimate 25,000 homes are eligible for Blue Roofs (heavy duty plastic sheeting patches) and has processed some 26,000 requests. More than 18,000 Blue Roofs have been completed. To determine eligibility and authorize an inspection, applicants or their representatives can obtain Right-of Entry (ROE) consent forms at ROE collection centers or call toll-free 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) for more information.
- FEMA has received some 1,700 requests for travel trailers. As of Nov. 17, some 708 units were occupied. Nearly 200 accessible units with a wider entrance, handrails and low-step tub entry also are available. In addition to travel trailers, 11 mobile home units have been occupied.
- Approximately 7,000,000 meals have been served to people in the hardest hit areas and emergency relief workers.
- Eleven Hurricane Katrina shelters remain open with a population of 344. One of these shelters houses an additional 86 Hurricane Rita evacuees.
- Nearly 1,000 housing inspectors are in the field conducting inspections of damaged property in the hardest hit areas to verify losses of those residents who have filed applications. More than 259,300 inspections have been completed.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.
Last Modified: Monday, 21-Nov-2005 15:53:59