FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers To Close, But Help Continues To Be Available As Aid Tops $4.5 Million
Release Date: June 9, 2003
Release Number: 1469-18
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Springfield, IL -- The Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Metropolis and South Pekin will close at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 11.
For those affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 6 through May 11 who still have questions about assistance or low-interest disaster loans, help is just a phone call away. Operators at the toll-free number -- 1-800-621-FEMA -- are available from 8.a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday to help with many of the questions that were brought to the recovery centers.
To date, 509 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers and 700 Illinoisans from the disaster-declared counties have called the toll-free number to apply for assistance, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois State Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).
More than $4.5 million has been approved for disaster assistance for Illinois residents. The following is a summary of recovery efforts as of close of business June 8:
- A total of $4,535,866 in grants and low-interest disaster loans has been approved for those affected by the disaster.
- Of the $1,081,966 in approved Individuals and Households Program grants, $491,375 is for Housing Assistance grants for essential home repairs and temporary rental assistance not covered by insurance. Another $590,591 in grants has been approved for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. This may include medical, dental, funeral, personal property, and transportation expenses.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $3,453,900 in low-interest disaster loans. Low-interest loans from the SBA are the primary form of federal disaster assistance for long-term recovery for homeowners, renters and non-farm businesses of all sizes.
- Monday, July 14, is the deadline to apply for assistance by calling the toll-free application number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). There is also a special toll-free number for those with speech or hearing impairment, (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Both numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, until further notice.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 10-Jun-2003 11:13:44