WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.) urged residents in south Louisiana to register for disaster assistance following an announcement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that they were extending the registration deadline for victims of Hurricane Ike.  Residents of parishes that have been given the Federal Disaster Designation for Hurricane Ike have until January 12, 2009, to register for Individual Assistance from FEMA.

“I encourage everyone in south Louisiana who suffered damage to their property to contact FEMA and see if they are eligible for disaster assistance,” said Rep. Charlie Melancon.  “Even if you have received a denial letter in the past, this may not be the final word.  Contact FEMA to see why your request was denied and you may be able to get the assistance you need to help you get back on your feet.”

Rep. Melancon continued, “If you are still struggling to recover from the hurricanes, I hope you will call my office.  My staff and I are here to serve you, and if we can help in any way, we will.  Please call us toll free at 1-866-289-9210 and we’ll see what we can do for you.”

Individual Assistance includes such as aid as temporary rental assistance or hotel stays and grants or loans to repair or replace damaged property and belongings. The federal assistance program will not cover all losses, but is designed to help people return to livable housing.

Twenty Louisiana parishes have been given the Federal Disaster Designation for Hurricane Ike and are eligible for the Individual Assistance program.  In the Third Congressional District, residents of Iberia, Jefferson, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes may be eligible. 

Residents of affected parishes can visit one of FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to get answers to questions about registration for disaster assistance and hazard mitigation, help with disaster loan applications and information and contacts for other programs. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is also on hand to meet individually with each applicant to provide assistance in completing his or her disaster loan application and to accept completed disaster loan applications.

For more information, call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585, log on to www.fema.gov or visit a DRC at one of the below locations weekdays between the hours of 9am-6pm: 

Assumption Parish           
Napoleonville Community Ctr.      
4770 Hwy.              
Napoleonville, LA 70390      
                                    
Iberia Parish
Iberia Parish Fire
Protection District #1  
2309 Avery Island Rd.
New Iberia, LA 70560                  

Lafourche Parish     
Old Wal-Mart      
4876 Hwy. 1              
Mathews, LA 70375      
              
Terrebonne Parish      
Town Hall Building           
805 Barrow St.                      
Houma, LA  70360             

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