Over $295 Million Approved For Evacuee Aid in Five Southeastern States
Release Date: January 27, 2006
Release Number: R4-06-002
ATLANTA, Ga. -- More than $295 million has been approved by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide direct aid to victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita who have evacuated from disaster areas to five host states in FEMA's Region IV. Those states include Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina and Tennessee.
The money is provided through FEMA's Individual and Households Program (IHP) and can help the displaced victims of last fall's hurricanes along the Gulf Coast reach a level of safe, sanitary and functional living while away from their damaged homes. IHP funding includes money for temporary housing when rental property is not available, some repairs to damaged homes and grants for expenses such as medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage. This federal assistance program also offers financial assistance for other disaster-related expenses or serious needs not covered by insurance for individuals and households who do not qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration loans.
The chart below shows where evacuees from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas are currently located in the five states and the federal funds they have received as of Jan. 22. State and local governments also receive federal funds for evacuee support.
| Applicants | Federal Funds Approved | |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 43,255 | 181,298,693 |
| Kentucky | 2,764 | 9,744,417 |
| North Carolina | 6,871 | 25,780,479 |
| South Carolina | 3,678 | 13,598,397 |
| Tennessee | 17,596 | 65,382,825 |
Residents who have evacuated from those areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are urged to register online at www.fema.gov or by calling the FEMA registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY 1-800-452-7585 for the speech and hearing impaired). Those who have already applied and have questions about the status of their applications can call this same number for assistance.
In order to receive important government mail, any change of address should be filed the U.S. Postal Service. Addresses may be changed free as many times as necessary by going online at www.usps.com, by calling 1-800-275-8777, or by going to any U.S. Post Office and submitting a change of address request.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Feb-2006 14:54:22