Disaster Assistance Summary
More Than $2 Million In Federal/State Assistance Approved
Release Date: June 8, 2004
Release Number: 1517-013
» More Information on Nebraska Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
LINCOLN, Neb. -- State, federal assistance has reached more than $2 million as local officials and voluntary agencies continue to help Nebraskans who were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began May 20, 2004.
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More than 370 individuals have registered by calling FEMA's toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily.
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More than 400 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers in Cortland (open) and Weeping Water (now closed). The centers are designed to serve those who need disaster information or want to check on the status of their application.
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Under the FEMA Individuals and Household Program (IHP), grants are made to those who cannot or should not live in their disaster-damaged dwellings to obtain temporary housing and to replace destroyed or damaged personal property, not covered by other assistance programs or insurance.
- To date, under IHP's Housing Assistance, 72 households have been approved for a total of $80,800. Housing Assistance provides grants, 100 percent FEMA funded, for temporary housing to renters, and minimal repair grants and rental assistance to homeowners if they were not covered by insurance.
- Under IHP's Other Needs Assistance (ONA), 28 households have been approved for grants totaling $91,400. ONA, funded 75 percent by FEMA and 25 percent by the State of Nebraska, provides grants to help with the costs of necessary expenses (to include medical, dental and funeral expenses), and serious needs unmet by other assistance programs.
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued more than 393 applications to homeowners and businesses for low-interest loans. Approved loans total $1,563,900.
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$365,305 has been approved by FEMA Public Assistance to date to help with debris removal.
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People living or working in the disaster-declared counties whose jobs have been affected by the disaster may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) through the Nebraska Workforce Development. Those who are eligible may visit the nearest office for more information.
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117 households were approved for food stamps to help replace food that was lost due to the tornado or flooding. The program is managed by Nebraska Health and Human Services System.
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American Red Cross currently has over 225 emergency assistance cases. To date, the American Red Cross has served over 22,000 meals and snacks; made more than 350 outreach contacts and more than 200 health service calls and over 800 mental health service calls. There were 260 American Red Cross staff and volunteers in Nebraska, 180 were local residents. To date, 84 remain.
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The Salvation Army has prepared and served over 14,000 meals and snacks per day since the disaster struck.
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Local volunteer services have provided donated goods, meals, shelter, child care, volunteers for debris clearance, spiritual support, grants, manpower for the repair and rebuilding of homes, water, food, and cleanup efforts. Many of these voluntary organizations will be involved in long-term recovery projects in the affected counties.
Catholic Charities
Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska
Nazarene Disaster Response
Nebraska American Legion
Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture
Nebraska Emergency Management
Orphan Grain Train
Church World Service
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
United Church of Christ
United Way of the Midlands
Volunteer Partners of Lancaster County
Adventist Community Services
Lutheran Disaster Response
Nebraska Voluntary Organizations Active in DisasterAmerican Radio Relay League
Church of the Brethren Disaster Response
Church World Service
Civil Air Patrol
Disaster Child Care
American Baptist Men
Interchurch Ministries
Lincoln Police and Fire Chaplains
The Lincoln Action Program Housing Development Corporation
Mennonite Disaster Services
Rapid Response (Omaha's Disaster Relief Team)
United Methodist Army
Volunteer Partners
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: Tuesday, 08-Jun-2004 13:52:13