U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services |
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Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, Oct. 18, 1999 |
Contact: | Michael Kharfen (202) 401-9215 |
"The destruction caused by the floods in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd have put low-income New Jersey families, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities at risk," Secretary Shalala said. "We can never replace their loss, but we can help them rebuild and ensure their safety as winter approaches."
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, flooding damaged more than 8,000 homes in New Jersey. The state can use the funds for utility reconnection costs; repair or replacement of circuit boxes, furnaces and air conditioners; and removal and replacement of soggy insulation, as well as paying energy costs through the winter.
LIHEAP funds traditionally provide heating and cooling assistance, weatherization and crisis assistance. In 1998, Congress authorized using the LIHEAP emergency contingency funds to respond to the aftermath of natural disasters, including floods.
LIHEAP funds provide cooling and heating assistance to approximately four to five million households annually. Nearly half are families with children under 18. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities and working poor individuals are also served by this program. Seventy percent of these households have incomes below $8,000 per year.
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