Help Spread the Word About Disaster Assistance
More than $14.5 Million Already Approved
MARION, Ill. — With the August 8 application deadline less than one month away, residents are encouraged to help spread the word that federal disaster assistance is available.
Many people who might be eligible for assistance to help with losses from recent severe storms and floods may not have heard that assistance is available. Whenever you talk with friends and co-workers who had damage, tell them there may be aid available to help them recover.
More than $14.5 million in disaster assistance has already been approved for southern Illinois residents and businesses, according to state and federal recovery officials.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the latest recovery statistics as of close of business yesterday (7/14):
$11,818,375 million approved in disaster assistance grants, which cover temporary rental assistance, home repairs, and other disaster-related serious needs not covered by insurance or other programs;
3007 residents have applied for disaster assistance, including homeowners, renters, and business owners;
2,567 inspections have been completed and the current turnaround time for an inspection after a person applies is a little more than one day;
$2,768,500 approved in SBA low-interest loans;
1,662 SBA low-interest loan applications issued, including 1,304 to renters and homeowners and 358 for business owners … it is very important to complete and return the application;
1085 residents have visited one of the Disaster Recovery Centers located in Cairo, Junction, Metropolis and Herrin.
“While you may know about FEMA recovery assistance, don’t assume other people with damages also know,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Greg Eaton. “People can miss out on aid because of lack of information. This not only affects the individuals, but also the entire community’s recovery.”
To register for FEMA assistance or check on the status of registrations, go online to www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov, or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. FEMA phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.
County-by-County Application Breakdown
Here is a county-by-county breakdown of assistance applications (cumulative total) as of close of business yesterday (7/14): Alexander 1,153; Franklin 57; Gallatin 221; Hardin 36; Jackson 204; Lawrence 15; Massac 318; Perry 76; Pope 45;...