Mary Joseph Residence For The Elderly Continues To Get Help From FEMA
Release Date: January 17, 2007
Release Number: 1603-596
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Shortly after Hurricane Katrina raged through the state last year, the Mary Joseph Residence for the Elderly found itself being used as an emergency shelter for first responders. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently obligated $1.4 million in reimbursement money for the crucial services this facility provided in the months following the storm.
After the hurricane flooded two-thirds of the firehouses in the New Orleans area and rendered them unusable, the Mary Joseph Residence for the Elderly housed the fire personnel, as well as police and National Guard members, needed after the storm. The facility was also used as an emergency operations center.
Money obligated today, in addition to $46,865 obligated previously, will be used as reimbursement for rent, utilities and other basic services, as well as for repairs to damages incurred during the city's occupation of the building.
The Mary Joseph Residence for the Elderly is operated by The Little Sisters of the Poor and has been an important part of the New Orleans Archdiocese's services to the poor and elderly since the late 1700s.
When projects are obligated by FEMA, the funds are transferred to the state. This allows the state to draw down the monies and distribute them to the local applicants. The state may require additional documentation from the applicant before disbursals are made.
The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government buildings, roads and bridges, schools, water and sewer plants, recreational facilities owned by government agencies, some facilities owned by nonprofit agencies and other publicly owned facilities. FEMA can set aside money to bring each project back to its pre-disaster function and capacity, and the state distributes the money. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Jan-2007 12:22:11