Disaster Recovery News Update
Release Date: October 11, 2002
Release Number: 1433-18
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Indianapolis, IN -- More than $1.5 million in disaster assistance grants and low-interest loans has been approved for disaster assistance to applicants throughout the 32 Indiana counties eligible for Individual Assistance. Federal, state, local and voluntary agencies are working in partnership to help Indiana residents following the tornadoes and severe storms. The following is an update of their activities to date.
According to figures released by the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the close of business on October 10, the following numbers of people have applied for or received assistance:
- 1,511 Applications have been received
- 1,018 People have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers.
- 321 Disaster housing assistance grants approved, totaling $265,495
(These grants cover temporary rental assistance and emergency home repairs and may be just the first type of assistance applicants receive.)
- 19 SBA low-interest loans approved, totaling $910,100.
- 124 Individual and Family Grants have been issued, totaling $405,843
Application Numbers Continue to Operate
Individuals, families, and business owners who suffered losses in the
declared counties should apply for assistance by calling FEMA'S toll-free
number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) The number for the speech and hearing impaired
is TTY 1-800-462-7585. These numbers are available 8:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. (EST) daily, until further notice.
Disaster Legal Services Available
The need for legal advice can escalate following a disaster. FEMA has made available free legal help for victims of the disaster through an agreement with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association. These disaster legal services are meant for low-income individuals who, prior to or because of the disaster, are unable to secure legal services adequate to meet their needs. Typical types of assistance offered by the group includes help with home repair contracts and contractors, advice on problems with landlords or tenants and drawing up new wills and other legal papers lost in the disaster. To contact one of these attorneys, call 866-336-8276. The first available attorney will return your call as soon as possible.
Crisis Counseling Available
People in the designated counties have seen their lives severely affected by the tornadoes and severe storms. The emotional needs often extend beyond the financial assistance FEMA provides to disaster victims to help them begin to rebuild their lives. Talking about disaster stress and obtaining assistance with available resources are major parts of the Crisis Counseling program. Crisis counselors are available at the Disaster Recovery Centers. Crisis counseling is also available by calling 800-344-8802. The phone line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Available
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program, which is administered by the state, is available to help individuals affected by the disaster who are not covered by regular unemployment insurance. DUA applications will be taken for a 30-day period, ending October 28. Those interested can apply at your local WorkOne Center. WorkOne Centers can be found by calling 888-WORKONE or going to the Dept. of Workforce Development web site at www.workforce.IN.gov.
Disaster Recovery Centers Open
Joint Disaster Recovery Centers are open for disaster victims to meet face-to-face with representatives from various assistance agencies. These three centers are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until further notice, and are located at:
- Warren Township Center at 501 N. Post Road
- Perry Township Government Center at 4925 Shelby Street
- Morgan County Emergency Management Agency, 1789 E. Morgan Street, Martinsville
These two centers will operate regular hours Friday and Saturday, but will be closing Sat. evening (Oct. 12):
- Lawrence City Hall, 9001 East 59th St., Lawrence
- Endwright Center, 7500 W. Reeves Road, Ellettsville
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA has approved $910,000 in low-interest disaster home loans to 19 applicants and issued a total of 1,170 loan applications (990 home/personal property and 180 business/economic injury disaster loan applications). Officials urge applicants to complete their loan paperwork as soon as possible, even if they have not received a final settlement from their insurance company. If the loan application is not returned it will delay other forms of disaster assistance. SBA representatives are available at all Disaster Recovery Centers for applicants who need assistance completing their loan paperwork.
The SBA is establishing two workshops, one in Posey County and one in Johnson County. The locations and times are:
- Now open: Wadesville Fire Department (corner of Princeton and Main) in Poseyville Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Starting Tuesday, October 15: City of Greenwood Administration Office, 2 North Madison Avenue, Greenwood; Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
SBA disaster loan staff will be available to help those who would like assistance with their application. A FEMA representative will also be available to answer questions about disaster recovery assistance.
Rebuild Better and Safer
The recent tornadoes and high winds are prompting educational outreach efforts focused on wind resistant construction and safe rooms. Mitigation specialists are available at the Disaster Recovery Centers to provide information on simple, cost-effective ways to help individuals and business owners reduce future disaster damages from flooding, high winds and severe storms.
Voluntary Agencies Providing Assistance
- Indiana Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster (INVOAD) has met to
share information and develop a strategy for long-term recovery efforts.
The group formed three recovery committees - one in Warren Township,
one in Southport and the third in Martinsville. Meetings are scheduled
in each area and community based, faith based and local emergency organizations
will be invited to attend and participate.
- American Red Cross - As part of the emergency response to this disaster,
ARC opened 7 shelters, housed 266 people and opened over 660 cases for
assistance. They continue to meet emergency disaster related needs at
the local chapters. Clients may either go to the local chapter or call
800-GET-INFO.
- Church World Service - the umbrella group for the Council of Churches,
has representatives in the affected area meeting with faith-based organizations
and assisting them with information on how to help for the long-term
recovery.
- Mennonite Disaster Services - has been on stand-by since the disaster,
waiting to provide repair and rebuilding assistance to the most vulnerable
populations. They are currently doing an assessment in the affected
area to determine the need for a building project for the area. The
project would be a long-term effort of skilled building teams providing
assistance.
- United Methodist Church - has been supporting the disaster efforts by running a distribution center at the Southport United Methodist Church. To-date they have served over 60 families. The UM Conference is also providing funds for needs not covered by other programs and participating in the Long Term Recovery Committee organization efforts.
Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 12:20:41