Individuals And Households Program Helps Disaster Victims
Release Date: November 13, 2003
Release Number: 1498-22
» More Information on California Wildfires
Pasadena, CA -- The Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) want to ensure a safe place to live for those who have been displaced by the Southern California wildfires.
The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) helps renters and homeowners whose primary residences were damaged or destroyed.
Types of assistance available include:
- Rent - Provides limited apartment or rental costs for homeowners
and renters who cannot or should not live in their homes because of the disaster.
- Repair - Provides funds to homeowners to make repairs. These
funds should be used to assist with making the home safe, sanitary and functional.
- Lodging Expenses - Reimburses eligible applicants for hotel expenses incurred immediately after the disaster.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs, but does not normally compensate disaster victims for their entire loss. Each situation is unique and is handled on a case-by-case basis. Anyone who suffered damage in the wildfires can register for assistance by calling the FEMA registration line, 1-800-621-3362. For the speech- or hearing-impaired, the number is 1-800-462-7585.
In addition to the FEMA programs, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) makes low interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Both homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses may borrow up to $1.5 million for similar losses.
"We recognize the anguish of those who have been displaced from their homes. These people need assistance," said Dallas Jones, director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. "Calling the toll-free registration number is the first step in seeking help that may include temporary disaster housing assistance."
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California's readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade, and war-caused emergencies, and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2003 14:45:29