More than $1.2 Million in Disaster Aid Approved for Hoosiers
Release Date: October 13, 2006
Release Number: 1662-007
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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- More than $1.2 million in grants has been approved and more than 1,500 people have applied for disaster assistance in the week since President Bush issued a major disaster declaration for Lake and Vanderburgh counties on October 6, according to figures released today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). Disaster officials added that the number of approved grants for assistance will continue to rise as more applications are processed. The following is an update of recovery activities as of close of business Thursday, October 12:
- 1,557 individuals have applied for assistance (1,242 in Lake and 315 in Vanderburgh Counties).
- 449 claims have been approved for the Individuals and Household Program.
- $1,257,042 in grants has been approved through the Individuals and Household Program. (This assistance may be used for temporary disaster housing assistance; repairing disaster-damaged, uninsured homes to a safe, sanitary and functional condition and replacement grants for serious, disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.)
- Three Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) have temporarily opened in Lake County to help meet the needs of disaster victims. One more DRC will open in Evansville on Mon. Oct. 16.
- 794 home loan and 54 business loan applications have been issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA officials encourage anyone who has received an application from the SBA to turn it in as soon as possible in order to be eligible for any further assistance.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers are opening in Lake and Vanderburgh Counties for disaster victims to meet face-to-face with representatives from various assistance agencies.
Opening Friday, Oct. 13:
Lake County
- Public Service Facility Conference Room, 4444 Railroad Avenue , East Chicago
- Lincoln Center , 2450 Lincoln Street , Highland
- Genesis Convention Center , One Genesis Center Plaza ( U.S. Hwy 20 & SR 53), Gary
Opening Monday, Oct. 16:
Vanderburgh County
- Indiana National Guard Armory, 3300 East Division Street , Evansville
The Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice .
Application and Helpline Numbers Available
Individuals, families and business owners who suffered losses in Lake or Vanderburgh County
should apply for assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 ( for those with hearing or speech impairment) . These numbers are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available to take your call. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to apply on FEMA's Web site at www.fema.gov where valuable recovery information is also available.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by your insurance. You should first contact your insurance agent; then, call FEMA to apply. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come as loans. A FEMA representative will explain the details when you call.
The SBA offers disaster loans up to $200,000 to repair disaster-damaged primary residences. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to replace damaged personal property such as furniture and clothing. Loans to businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations up to $1.5 million are available to repair or replace damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, supplies, and inventory.
For information on SBA low-interest loans, residents and businesses in the eligible counties should call 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired .
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 13-Oct-2006 14:15:46