$20 Million Approved in Disaster Assistance for Hurricane Isaac

CLINTON, Miss. – In nearly seven weeks since Hurricane Isaac struck Mississippi, more than $20.3 million in state and federal aid has been approved to help those affected.                                                                                                

MEMA and FEMA provide the following snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of Oct. 15:

• Nearly 6,100 households have received FEMA grants that assist with housing and personal property loss.
• Nearly $12.1 million has been approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance, home repair and replacement costs.
• Almost $2.2 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
• Nearly $6.1 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist homeowners, renters and businesses.
• More than 19,500 home inspections have been completed.
• There were more than 10,200 visits to 16 disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.

Almost 24,800 survivors in designated counties have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Many people sought housing assistance from FEMA because their primary homes were unlivable or inaccessible.

While all disaster recovery centers have closed, survivors can still have recovery questions answered by FEMA specialists this week at locations in Franklin and Jones counties.                                                                                                                      

Those who have already registered for disaster assistance should stay in contact with FEMA if they change their mailing address, phone number or e-mail address, if they receive an insurance settlement, or discover additional damage by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

The Helpline is also available for Mississippians who have needs not met by federal assistance. It is a good source of information referring survivors to state and local organizations and partner agencies such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors may also call 2-1-1 to be connected to volunteer or faith-based organizations that may be able to help them with resources and needs.

Survivors have through Wednesday, Oct. 31 to register for disaster assistance. They should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use
711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Businesses that need help may contact the SBA directly at the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY) 800-877-8339, send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.