Other Needs Assistance Program Available For Mississipians 

Release Date: December 15, 2005
Release Number: 1604-174

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JACKSON , Miss. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency want to help Hurricane Katrina survivors cover the costs of necessary and serious expenses related to the disaster. Uninsured or under-insured Mississippians still struggling to pay for disaster related needs may be eligible to receive help from the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program. If household income is below a certain level or an applicant doesn't qualify for a low-interest loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA), they may become eligible for ONA.

The ONA program may help individuals and families pay for items and services such as:

ONA grants may also help repair or replace cars and other vehicles necessary for transportation. The money can also be used for moving and storing personal property to avoid additional damage while disaster repairs are being made to the home.

If you are in a designated disaster area in Mississippi and believe you may be eligible for assistance through FEMA's ONA program, you are encouraged to call the teleregistration and Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the speech-or hearing-impaired. The lines operate from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. The last day to register is January 11, 2006.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 15-Dec-2005 13:41:23