FEMA/SERT Individuals & Households Program Grants Surpass $1 Billion
Release Date: December 17, 2004
Release Number: 1539-318
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Federal and state disaster assistance for individuals and households following Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne has surpassed the $1 billion mark this week, according to Florida’s State Emergency Response Team (SERT) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
More than $1 billion has been approved for storm victims under FEMA’s Individuals & Households Program (IHP).
Under the IHP, there are two types of disaster assistance. One type provides temporary financial housing assistance, e.g., rental assistance or minimal home repair, or direct housing assistance in which case housing facilities are provided directly to storm victims. The other type of IHP assistance – other needs assistance - provides financial aid for items such as essential personal property, medical, dental, funeral expenses, transportation and other storm-related expenses.
The IHP is a grant program - it does not have to be paid back – and is available for a limited period of time. The IHP is not designed to return storm victims to their pre-disaster condition, but rather to provide a helping hand with their long-term recovery. Long-term recovery is best achieved through a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
As of Dec. 16, 2004, FEMA and SERT have approved $1,002,594,758 in IHP assistance. Of that amount, $470,848,047 was approved for housing assistance and $531,746,711 for other needs assistance.
In locations where adequate housing for storm victims is not available, FEMA may provide direct housing assistance. The government may provide, rent-free, a mobile home or travel trailer; however, the tenant must pay the utilities. To date, 12,085 manufactured housing units are in place and occupied.
Other avenues of housing assistance include the Florida Hurricane Housing Hotline, 1-888-472-1727, which is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern time.
SERT, FEMA, Florida State University and Florida realtor organizations partnered in the development of a new Web site to assist landlords and potential tenants with their rental needs. That Web site – www.DHRonline.org - currently lists more than 20,000 housing resources.
Floridians who suffered hurricane damage and have not registered for federal and state disaster aid should do so now. All that is required is one toll-free call to FEMA’s registration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The hearing- and/or speech-impaired should call TTY 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open every day, from 6 a.m. to midnight.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 17-Dec-2004 17:36:56