Bay Area Citizen - News
Last chance to register for FEMA aid
By DANA GUTHRIE
Ike victims who wish to apply for FEMA aid have just a few days left before they lose the opportunity.
The deadline to register for assistance has been extended to Monday, Jan. 12.
To date, FEMA and Gov. Rick Perry’s Division of Emergency management have awarded more than $1.8 billion in Hurricane Ike relief.
As of last Friday, the two entities had designated:
More than $443.5 million to Texans for Hurricane Ike Recovery for housing, other needs and disaster unemployment assistance.
More than $583.5 million for short-term sheltering in hotels and motels.
More than $308 million for local governments for infrastructure repair and debris removal
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $476 million in low-interest disaster loans.
FEMA has also extended its deadline for Transitional Sheltering Assistance until March 13.
Currently 4,602 individuals and families are still staying in hotels and motels, which are reimbursed directly by FEMA and the State of Texas.
The agency reviews Ike victims’ eligibility status every two weeks and offers housing solutions.
“This is a fluid program,” acting Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Harris said. “The goal is to move displaced Texans from temporary transitional shelter to more permanent housing almost as quickly as it becomes available.”
Since Sept. 14, the program has helped more than 26,000 people. FEMA covers 75 percent of the cost to hotels, and the state picks up the remaining 25 percent.
“Extending this assistance through the winter monthsh is going to help a great deal,” State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun said. “A hotel or motel room may not be home, but it’s a safe and warm option for our people.”
Time’s almost up
To register for disaster assistance, call 1-800-621-3362 or visit www.fema.gov.
The deadline to register for assistance has been extended to Monday, Jan. 12.
To date, FEMA and Gov. Rick Perry’s Division of Emergency management have awarded more than $1.8 billion in Hurricane Ike relief.
As of last Friday, the two entities had designated:
More than $443.5 million to Texans for Hurricane Ike Recovery for housing, other needs and disaster unemployment assistance.
More than $583.5 million for short-term sheltering in hotels and motels.
More than $308 million for local governments for infrastructure repair and debris removal
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $476 million in low-interest disaster loans.
FEMA has also extended its deadline for Transitional Sheltering Assistance until March 13.
Currently 4,602 individuals and families are still staying in hotels and motels, which are reimbursed directly by FEMA and the State of Texas.
The agency reviews Ike victims’ eligibility status every two weeks and offers housing solutions.
“This is a fluid program,” acting Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Harris said. “The goal is to move displaced Texans from temporary transitional shelter to more permanent housing almost as quickly as it becomes available.”
Since Sept. 14, the program has helped more than 26,000 people. FEMA covers 75 percent of the cost to hotels, and the state picks up the remaining 25 percent.
“Extending this assistance through the winter monthsh is going to help a great deal,” State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun said. “A hotel or motel room may not be home, but it’s a safe and warm option for our people.”
Time’s almost up
To register for disaster assistance, call 1-800-621-3362 or visit www.fema.gov.
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