Tomorrow Is The Last Day To Apply For Disaster Assistance
Additional Housing Assistance Still Available to Those in Need
Release Date: November 17, 2004
Release Number: 1556-047
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Federal and state disaster officials are reminding residents that tomorrow, Thursday, November 18, is their last day to call and apply for disaster assistance from the severe storm and flooding damage caused by Hurricane Ivan in late August and September in 21 eastern Ohio counties.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) recovery officials stated that individual assistance can continue beyond the 60-day deadline, but Thursday, November 18 will be the last opportunity for disaster victims to call and apply. It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to call and apply, and FEMA personnel are standing by to determine eligible losses.
Even if residents have received assistance from previous disasters this year or filed a flood insurance claim, they may still be eligible for assistance from this disaster declaration, which was issued by President Bush on September 19. More than 8,680 disaster victims have already called to apply.
More than $32.3 million in grants and low-interest loans has already been approved for thousands of homeowners, renters, and business owners, who have applied by calling toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. Both numbers are available from 6 a.m. to midnight. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency’s website at http://www.fema.gov, where valuable recovery information is also available.
“If you are unable to move back into your damaged home and need additional housing support call us toll-free in Columbus at 1-877-510-8563 during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday,” said Lee Champagne, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “We want to make sure that no individual or family is left without housing as a result of this flooding disaster which occurred between August 27 and September 27.”
Disaster officials understand that housing resources are limited, and that some people may no longer be able to live with relatives or friends. Additional grant funds may be available for temporary rental assistance, which in some cases may include travel trailers.
“We will work one-on-one with each family to find the best housing option for the specific needs of that applicant,” said Dale Shipley, executive director of Ohio Emergency Management Agency and state coordinating officer. “Those who cannot live in their disaster-damaged homes should either stop in at a Disaster Recovery Center or call the toll free number and talk with a housing specialist.”
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.
County Breakdown of Disaster Assistance Grants (Close of Business Tuesday, Nov. 16)
| County | Applications | Housing Assistance Grants Appd |
Housing Assistance Amt Appd |
Other Needs Assistance Grants Appd |
Other Needs Assistance Amt Appd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 259 | 156 | $409,054 | 60 | $208,266 |
| Belmont | 1,842 | 1,169 | $3,339,754 | 422 | $2,231,145 |
| Carroll | 119 | 68 | $141,028 | 21 | $63,720 |
| Columbiana | 521 | 341 | $759,792 | 148 | $448,612 |
| Gallia | 32 | 10 | $24,955 | 7 | $10,358 |
| Guernsey | 561 | 338 | $723,369 | 156 | $550,401 |
| Harrison | 129 | 94 | $232,274 | 24 | $58,714 |
| Jefferson | 998 | 680 | $1,818,724 | 245 | $617,131 |
| Lawrence | 63 | 35 | $74,650 | 11 | $25,564 |
| Mahoning | 998 | 518 | $717,581 | 277 | $203,597 |
| Meigs | 168 | 81 | $140,962 | 36 | $138,741 |
| Monroe | 212 | 119 | $341,354 | 44 | $260,759 |
| Morgan | 63 | 33 | $92,141 | 12 | $26,272 |
| Muskingum | 110 | 66 | $151,973 | 22 | $105,869 |
| Noble | 131 | 82 | $158,318 | 25 | $121,313 |
| Perry | 234 | 156 | $283,546 | 102 | 799,110 |
| Stark | 137 | 81 | $107,785 | 31 | $43,768 |
| Trumbull | 514 | 277 | $546,561 | 156 | $193,850 |
| Tuscarawas | 144 | 85 | $166,827 | 38 | $60,088 |
| Vinton | 19 | 12 | $26,414 | 3 | $3,142 |
| Washington | 1,429 | 779 | $1,903,650 | 340 | $2,317,121 |
Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Nov-2004 15:45:52