One Month After -- More Than $2.4 Million Approved For Disaster Recovery 

Release Date: May 19, 2004
Release Number: 1513-016

» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Tornadoes

OTTAWA, Ill. -- Almost a month has passed since tornadoes caused a path of destruction through North Central Illinois. Since President Bush issued a disaster declaration on April 23, more than $2.4 million has been approved to assist in the recovery of those affected by last month's devastating storms.

A total of $357,683 in grants and $2,046,100 in low-interest loans have been approved for 113 of the 622 Illinois residents who have applied for disaster assistance, according to figures released today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). To avoid a duplication of benefits, some FEMA applications cannot be completed until the applicant provides a final insurance settlement to determine eligible underinsured or uninsured losses.

Those who suffered damages or loss from the tornadoes and severe storms that occurred April 20-23 can still apply for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The deadline to call and apply for assistance is June 22.

Local, state and federal recovery officials and voluntary organizations have combined efforts to assist victims of the severe weather in putting their lives back together. This is a summary of recovery activities as of close of business May 18:

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is still available in Utica at the Waltham Elementary School, 248 West Canal Street, and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sundays. After calling to apply, people can visit the center to get disaster assistance information, receive help in completing their SBA loan applications or address immediate unmet needs. Anyone, even those who did not suffer any damages, may visit the center to talk with mitigation specialists and receive information on low-cost ways to reduce future disaster damages.

Tomorrow is the last day to visit the SBA Workshop in Joliet at Bicentennial Park, 201 West Jefferson. The Workshop will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Thursday, May 20. SBA loan officers are available to help those who would like assistance with filling out their loan packet and a FEMA representative will also be available to answer questions about disaster recovery assistance.

Once this SBA Workshops closes, disaster assistance is still available at the Utica DRC or by a toll-free call to the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance: The deadline is June 8 for people to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Those interested in applying must do so by filing claims with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The program, which is administered by the state and funded by FEMA, is available to help individuals affected by the disaster who are not covered by regular unemployment insurance. To locate the nearest IDES or Illinois Employment and Training Center, call toll-free 1-888-FOR-IETC (888-367-4382).

Voluntary Agencies, including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and various community and faith-based organizations, have contributed many hours to the cleanup efforts and recovery process, and continue to help those who suffered loss in the tornadoes. Long-term recovery committees have been formed to supplement government assistance, offering a safety net for those that still have unmet needs. The community-based groups made up of local voluntary and faith-based organizations have been working with volunteer work teams in debris removal and home repairs.

If you believe you have unmet needs as a result of the tornadoes and severe storms, please contact the appropriate group for your county:

Kankakee County: Kankakee Chapter of the American Red Cross (Gail Dexter 815-933-2286) or Catholic Charities (Rosemary O'Conner 815-933-7791).
Will County: Joliet Disaster Relief Special Needs Committee (Mike Hennessy, United Way, 815-723-2500)
LaSalle & Putnam Counties: Illinois Valley Recovery Team (Dixie Reed, United Way, 815-223-8339) or Catholic Charities (Sheila Jones 815-223-4007)
Outside the Declared Counties: Illinois Lutheran Child and Family Services (1-800-363-5237) or the American Red Cross (1-866-GET-INFO (438-4636))

Disaster Legal Services is available to victims of the tornadoes and severe storms provided by the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association. These disaster legal services are meant for low-income individuals who, prior to or because of the disaster, are unable to secure legal services adequate to meet their needs, including assistance with insurance claims, landlord/tenant and other housing problems, home repairs contracts, and replacement of legal documents. Information is available by calling toll-free 1-800-467-0385 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

You do not need the assistance of an attorney to register for disaster assistance or to check on the status of your application. If you have questions about your application, you can call the FEMA Helpline toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Thursday, 20-May-2004 09:48:44