New York Disaster Aid For Individuals Now More Than $942,000
Release Date: November 5, 2004
Release Number: 1565-024
» More Information on New York Tropical Depression Ivan
ALBANY, N.Y. -- State and federal officials announced today that more than $942,000 has been distributed in disaster aid to New Yorkers to assist with the recovery from Tropical Depression Ivan.
The $942,000 was disbursed to renters and homeowners whose primary residence was damaged or destroyed, as well as those who were displaced from their home. The funds will assist victims with: making repairs to their disaster-damaged homes; paying rent for temporary housing; and paying for other lodging expenses if they were displaced from their homes as a result of the disaster.
More than 1,200 individuals have applied for assistance and those who have not yet applied can register by calling: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until Sunday, Nov. 7 when the hours will change to 6 a.m. to midnight (EST). Individuals with Internet access can register, anytime, on the agency's Web site at www.fema.gov, where recovery information is also available.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued more than 944 applications to homeowners, renters and businesses for low-interest disaster loans. Residents are asked to fill out the SBA loan application as soon as they receive it and return it. Filling out the application does not obligate the applicant to accept a loan. Those who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be referred to other available disaster aid programs. The SBA is the federal government's primary resource for long-term disaster recovery financing.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from the New York State Department of Labor is available to those who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits and are unemployed, as a direct result of Tropical Depression Ivan. Residents who have questions about DUA may call 1-866-642-7227. They can also visit the New York State Department of Labor's Web site at www.labor.state.ny.us and follow the instructions for filing a new claim.
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Tribal Liaison is currently working to facilitate the requests of Native Indian Tribes in the State of New York that may eligible to apply for Public Assistance. There are six Native American Tribes that have lands in the disaster-designated counties and the "government to government" structure ensures that Native Indian Tribes are supported in their emergency needs. The Tribal Liaison acts as a liaison between the Federal Coordinating Officer, head of the recovery effort, and the Tribe.
The Salvation Army is the casework lead for disaster unmet needs, a process in which disaster response organizations and local community groups work together to help those who may still have disaster-needs. The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Mennonite Disaster Services, Methodist Volunteers in Mission, and many others are working together to help with casework, home repair, food, clothing, household goods, etc. Assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis. To reach a caseworker call The Salvation Army at:
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Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties: Port Jervis: 845-856-3214 Middletown: 845-343-0821 |
Broome, Delaware and Chenango Counties: Broome: 607-722-2987 Delaware: 607-432-5960 or 607-432-6120 |
Those who have registered and want to check on the status of their application, change application information or get further disaster assistance information can call FEMA's toll-free Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (choose option two). The Helpline is open from 6 a.m. to midnight (EST), seven days a week. The deadline to apply is Nov. 30, 2004.
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: Friday, 05-Nov-2004 14:53:07