Ohio Disaster Assistance Weekly Summary
Release Date: October 13, 2000
Release Number: 1343-12
» More Information on Ohio Tornado And Severe Storms
Xenia, OH -- Federal and state agencies are working in partnership to help Ohio residents following the recent severe storms and tornado. The following is a summary of ongoing response and recovery efforts since the Presidential declaration on September 26th.
FEMA AWARDS CRISIS COUNSELING GRANT
Federal officials announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the State of Ohio more than $44,000 to provide crisis counseling for residents of Greene County. The grant was given to the Ohio Department of Mental Health to provide individual and family therapy and culturally appropriate supportive counseling.
"People in Xenia and surrounding areas have seen their lives severely affected by the storms and tornado on September 20," Federal Coordinating Officer Lou Botta said in approving funds to support the program. "Recovery needs extend beyond physical and financial. FEMA's role is to provide citizens with the basic necessities to rebuild their lives."
The Ohio Department of Mental Health is responsible for overall administration and implementation of the program, called Immediate Services Program for Crisis Counseling. Crisis counseling, community education services, assistance and training are being provided through TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. of Xenia, Ohio.
Joseph W. Hill, Disaster Response Coordinator for the Ohio Department of Mental Health, points out that people who have gone through a disaster such as a tornado may experience trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, depression and lack of concentration. "Acknowledging feelings and stress is the first step to feeling better," he says. "People who have had to leave their homes due to the storm are especially at risk for stress problems. Generally, these feelings and responses do not last long, but it is not uncommon to experience them many months after the event."
Mr. Hill suggests that talking about disaster experiences and sharing feelings about them will help people feel better about what has happened. Those in the declared counties who wish to talk to someone about their feelings regarding their disaster-related losses are encouraged to contact their local mental health center. All calls will be kept confidential.
STORM VICTIMS RECEIVE MORE THAN $800,000; ASSISTANCE STILL AVAILABLE
Disaster assistance for victims of the severe storms and tornado that hit the Xenia area last month totalled $805,923 in grants and low-interest loans as of close of business on Thursday, October 12. According to federal and state disaster officials, more than 750 people have called to apply for assistance to date.
Disaster housing grants totaling $19,823 have been approved for 26 applicants. These grants, which may be just the first type of assistance, are available to eligible individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the storms. In addition, $44,003 has been approved for 10 claims through the Individual and Family Grant (IFG) Program, which provides a safety net for people who have exhausted all other means of assistance and still have unmet disaster-related needs. These grants are a last resort and, in most cases, are awarded only if an applicant has been denied an SBA disaster loan.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has already approved more than $742,000 in low-interest loans for homeowners, renters and business owners with disaster-related uninsured or under-insured losses. But, SBA officials report that more than 600 SBA loan packets have been issued but have not yet been returned by applicants. If you receive an SBA loan application packet, you should complete and return it as soon as possible in order to be considered for low-interest loans and other disaster grant programs.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Greene County residents who have lost employment as a result of the September 20 disaster may be eligible for federal disaster unemployment assistance (DUA) benefits. Federal and state officials have announced that anyone interested in applying for this disaster benefit must do so by October 30.
"The DUA program, which is administered by the state and fully funded by FEMA, extends coverage to people out of work because of the disaster, including self-employed persons, farm owners and others not covered under regular unemployment benefits," Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) State Coordinating Officer Dale Shipley said. "This program can help them make ends meet until they can get back to work or resume their customary employment."
Application can be made at any Ohio Department of Job and Family Services office or by calling toll-free 877-644-6562. The information necessary to make application for DUA benefits includes proof of social security coverage (social security number or card) and, if possible, papers showing the previous year's earnings and employment prior to the disaster (i.e. a 1040 form for tax year 1999).
ASSISTANCE STILL JUST A TOLL-FREE CALL AWAY
Federal and state disaster assistance is still just a toll-free call away. Greene County residents who were affected by the recent disaster are being encouraged to apply before the application deadline of Monday, November 27. "Assistance can continue beyond the application deadline," State Coordinating Officer Dale Shipley said. "Victims must call and apply by the deadline to be considered for state and federal disaster assistance programs."
Disaster assistance funds, which are non-taxable, are specifically intended to cover uninsured or under-insured losses. Residents do not have to wait until a possible insurance claim has been settled to call and apply.
"We strongly urge anyone who suffered damage or loss as a result of the September 20 storms in the Xenia area to make application for assistance," FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Lou Botta said. "We hope that people won't prejudge themselves or feel that they are taking anything away from their neighbors."
Anyone in Greene County who suffered damage or loss in the September storms and tornado can apply for assistance by calling 800-462-9029. Those with a hearing or speech impairment can call TTY 800-462-7585. Application phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and multi-lingual operators are available.
Those who have already applied for assistance can visit the Disaster Recovery Center at 61 Greene Street in Xenia to check on the status of their application, to provide updated information or to ask questions about the types of assistance available or the various mitigation measures that they employ as they repair or rebuild. The center will be open tomorrow (October 14) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. next Monday and Tuesday.
Applicants may also call the FEMA Helpline - 800-462-0321 (TTY 800-462-7585) - between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with questions about assistance programs and/or application status.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2003 10:06:08