$1.6 Million Approved for Disaster Applicants in Illinois 

Release Date: June 5, 2002
Release Number: 1416-10

» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

Springfield, IL -- Two weeks after President Bush declared a major disaster in Illinois, more than $1.6 million in disaster grants and low-interest loans has been approved for nearly half of the 1,326 Illinois residents who have called to apply for assistance. Residents in a total 68 counties throughout central and southern Illinois may be eligible for disaster assistance.

According to figures released by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the close of business on June 3, the following numbers of people have applied for or received assistance:

Disaster Housing Assistance

Individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the recent tornadoes, severe storms and flooding, and are in a declared county may be eligible for Disaster Housing Assistance. This assistance may be used for alternate rental housing, emergency essential repairs to make a residence habitable, or mortgage or rental assistance in cases where the disaster has caused extreme economic hardship. These grants, totaling $807,255, may be just the initial type of assistance that resident may be eligible to receive.

U.S. Small Business Administration

The SBA has issued 407 loan applications to homeowners, renters and business owners. Officials urge applicants to complete their loan application and return it as soon as possible, even if they have not received a final settlement from their insurance company. If the loan application is not returned it will delay other forms of disaster assistance. SBA representatives are available at all Disaster Recovery Centers for applicants who need assistance completing their loan paperwork. The SBA has approved five low-interest disaster loans, totaling $605,800.

IFG Program Meets Serious Disaster-Related Needs

Another $194,015 has also been approved for 69 applicants referred to the Individual and Family Grant (IFG) Program. Administered by the IEMA, the program provides grants to individuals and families to meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance, other federal, state, or voluntary agency disaster assistance programs. FEMA provides 75 percent of the funds for the IFG grants and the state covers the remaining 25 percent.

Toll-Free Application Number Continues to Operate

Individuals, families, and business owners who suffered losses, which occurred between April 21 and May 23 in the 68 declared counties, should apply for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1 800 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1 800 462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. These numbers are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Four Disaster Recovery Centers Open Wednesday through Saturday

Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Beardstown, Lawrenceville, Charleston and Springfield for disaster victims to meet face-to-face with representatives from local, state and federal agencies. The centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday (June 5) through Saturday; and are located at:

Rebuild Better and Safer

The recent tornadoes and high winds are prompting educational outreach efforts focused on wind resistant construction and safe rooms. Several years ago IEMA supplied FEMA Mitigation Grant Program funds to the University of Illinois to develop a construction publication that includes diagrams to illustrate strapping techniques beneficial to homeowners. The publication, "Windstorm Mitigation Manual for Light Frame Construction," is available from FEMA by calling 217 862-3164/44. Further information is available on the Internet at: www.wind.ttu.edu or www.state.il.us/iema/prep.htm.

Mitigation specialists are also available at the joint recovery centers (listed above) to provide information on simple, cost-effective ways to help individuals and business owners reduce future disaster damages from flooding, high winds, and severe storms.

Residents visiting the Sangamon County Fair may also want to stop by the FEMA booth to see their tabletop display, "Taking Shelter from the Storm Mitigation House." There will also be various mitigation materials available and coloring books for the children.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 19-Aug-2003 16:27:43