Churches and Other Nonprofits May Rebuild with SBA Loans

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Churches, temples, mosques and other religious centers, as well as other private nonprofit organizations in Alabama’s storm-damaged designated counties, are eligible to apply for U. S. Small Business Administration loans to help rebuild. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, July 1.

Eligible private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million at interest rates as low as 2.635 percent to repair to replace damaged or destroyed real estate, furniture, fixtures, appliances, equipment, vehicles, other assets and leasehold improvements.

The terms of the loan may be up to 30 years, making payments affordable. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interested organizations may apply before their insurance claims are settled.

The SBA may loan up to 20 percent more than the total of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements that reduce the risk of future disaster damages.

For more information, nonprofits may call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY) 800-877-8339 or visit a disaster recovery center. Applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Or nonprofits may visit SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply online for disaster loans. Registration with FEMA is also recommended; call 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Churches and other nonprofits also should investigate sources of aid from charitable agencies, volunteer groups and private donors.

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Churches and Other Nonprofits May Rebuild with SBA Loans

More than $1.3 Million in Federal Assistance Approved for Mississippi Storm Survivors

PEARL, Miss. – Less than 10 days after severe storms, tornadoes and flooding swept across Mississippi, more than $1.3 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency grant assistance has been approved to help those affected by the storms.

More than 2,100 people have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA often refers survivors to those agencies. All businesses are also referred to the SBA. Other callers may be interested in other programs such as disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services.

The following is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of May 7:

  • More than 200 households approved for FEMA grants for homeowners and renters, including:
    • More than $978,000 approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
    • Nearly $327,000 approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • 428 home inspections completed.
  • 891 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
  • 5 disaster recovery centers currently open.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, survivors in the 12 disaster-designated Mississippi counties are urged to apply for help. Designated counties include Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston. Survivors can use any of the following methods to register:

  • By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Assistance is available in most languages.
  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Survivors who register with FEMA and are referred to SBA will be contacted with options on how to apply for a low-interest disaster loan. After being contacted by SBA, survivors should complete and submit an application even if they do not plan to accept a loan in order to continue the federal assistance process. It is part of the FEMA grant process and can pave the way for additional disaster assistance. SBA disaster loans are available with interest rates as low as 2.188 percent and terms up to 30 years.

Complete the SBA application online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Call the SBA customer service center with questions at 800-659-2955. People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-877-8339. For more information, visit sba.gov.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency website at msema.org or the Facebook page at facebook.com/msemaorg.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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More than $1.3 Million in Federal Assistance Approved for Mississippi Storm Survivors

Five Months Remain Before Gregg County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

 

DENTON, Texas ––In five months, new flood maps for Gregg County, Texas will become effective.

Local, state and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps before Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014 in order to understand their flood risk and then consider buying flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, contact your local floodplain administrator. FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat.  Maps are available online for review.

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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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.   Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Five Months Remain Before Gregg County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

Grundy County Tornado Survivors Urged to Register with FEMA

SPRINGFIELD, IL – FEMA urges people in Grundy County who sustained damage during the Nov. 17 tornadoes to register for federal disaster assistance before the Jan. 27 deadline even if they have insurance coverage. Assistance will continue after Jan. 27, but applicants must register by that date to be considered.

Some Grundy County storm survivors may think they will not qualify for federal assistance because they have insurance. This is not necessarily the case. They may still be eligible for assistance in the form of grants from FEMA, which do not have to be paid back, and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

By registering with FEMA, survivors may be eligible for assistance to help cover unexpected, uncovered expenses. For instance, an insurance settlement could be delayed and help is needed to cover rental assistance. Or there could be a delay in moving back into a damaged home, exhausting the Additional Living Expenses provided by insurance.  Survivors could also identify additional damage to their home not covered by their insurance policy.

There are three easy ways to register:

  • Online: go to DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • With a smartphone or tablet: download the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.
  • By phone: call the FEMA helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Assistance is available in many languages.

By registering before the deadline, applicants may be eligible for assistance with: temporary housing, home repairs, and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

In addition to registering with FEMA, survivors with insurance need to submit their insurance settlement documentation once they receive it. Sending an insurance declaration page is not sufficient. If there are questions on how to obtain this document, applicants should contact their insurance company, or call the FEMA helpline.

Next to insurance, low-interest disaster loans from SBA is the primary funding source for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster like a tornado.

Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans of up to $200,000 to repair or rebuild their homes. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

Applicants should not wait on an insurance settlement before returning the SBA low-interest disaster loan application. Insurance may not pay for all of the storm-related damage. Survivors can begin their recovery immediately with an SBA disaster loan. The loan balance will be reduced by their insurance settlement.

Applicants can complete the disaster loan application online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Questions can be answered by calling the SBA customer service center at 800-659-2955. People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-877-8339. More information is available at sba.gov.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema.

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. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Grundy County Tornado Survivors Urged to Register with FEMA

More than $1 Million in Federal Assistance Approved for Nov. 17 Storm Survivors in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Less than a month after tornadoes swept across Illinois, more than $1 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency grant assistance has been approved to help those affected by the storms.

1,632 people have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA often refers survivors to those agencies. Businesses are also referred to the SBA. Other callers may be interested in non-FEMA programs such as disaster unemployment assistance, the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or legal aid.

The following is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of Dec. 10:

  • 200 households approved for FEMA grants that assist with temporary rentals and personal property loss.
  • $760,124 approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
  • $334,766 approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • 329 home inspections completed.
  • 226 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
  • 3 disaster recovery centers currently open.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use any of the following methods:

  1. By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  2. Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  3. By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Survivors who register with FEMA and are referred to SBA will be contacted with options on how to apply for a low-interest disaster loan. After being contacted by SBA, survivors should complete and submit an application even if they do not plan to accept a loan. It is part of the FEMA grant process and can pave the way for additional disaster assistance. SBA disaster loans are available with interest rates as low as 2.25 percent and terms up to 30 years.

Complete an online application at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Call the SBA customer service center with questions at 800-659-2955. People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-877-8339. For more information, visit sba.gov.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Original article – 

More than $1 Million in Federal Assistance Approved for Nov. 17 Storm Survivors in Illinois

Many Residents May Mistakenly Believe They Have Registered with FEMA

AURORA, Ill. – After the spring storms and flooding that took place between April 16 and May 5, many affected residents have spoken to representatives from insurance companies and state and local agencies about disaster assistance and may be under the mistaken impression they have registered with FEMA. 

The way to know for sure that you have registered with FEMA is if you have been assigned a nine-digit Registration Identification Number, which verifies your registration status.

Following are the several ways of registering for FEMA disaster assistance:

  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585
  • For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362
  • Online at www.disasterassistance.gov
  • Via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov

The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

The deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, July 9.

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.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

 

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Many Residents May Mistakenly Believe They Have Registered with FEMA

What to Expect During a FEMA Home Inspection

CHICAGO – Inspectors from FEMA have begun meeting with disaster applicants in McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Fulton counties. Inspectors are reviewing damage caused by severe storms and flooding from April 16 through May 5, 2013.  

Here is what you should expect if your storm/flood-damaged home is inspected:

Generally, within 10 days of registering for FEMA assistance, an inspector will call you to schedule an appointment to visit your damaged property. This property must be your primary residence.

  • Be prepared to coordinate a time for an appointment. Typically, inspections take 15 to 45 minutes. When an appointment time is agreed upon, the applicant or another adult who lived at the property must be present.
  • When the inspector arrives, look for official FEMA identification. The badge should include an identification number and a photo of the inspector. If a badge is not readily visible, ask the inspector to see it.
  • Authorized inspectors will only confirm personal detailed information that has been provided previously during the registration process. FEMA inspectors will never ask for money, for bank account information, or for a Social Security number. If someone tells you he or she is a FEMA inspector and asks you these questions, notify your local authorities.

The inspector will ask you for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy if you are a homeowner. If you are a renter only occupancy will be verified. You can speed up the process by having the following appropriate documents on hand:

  • A photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
  • Proof of occupancy, which may include any one of the following:
    • A lease, rent receipt, recent utility bill or other document confirming the home was your primary residence
    • A pay stub or similar document showing the address of the damaged home
  • Proof of ownership, which may include any one of the following:
    • A deed showing applicant as the legal owner
    • A title that lists applicant on escrow or title document; mortgage payment book that names the applicant along with the address
    • A property insurance policy with applicant’s name as the insured
    • Tax receipt or bill that lists the address and the applicant as the responsible party.

A FEMA video about home inspection is available online: fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/5027 .

You must register for assistance before an inspector can schedule a visit. Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the storms may register for assistance by calling the telephone registration line at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Keep in mind that July 9, 2013 is the last day to register for assistance in McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Fulton counties.

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.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 609-508-2238

Continued here: 

What to Expect During a FEMA Home Inspection

Rhode Island Looking Toward Long-Term Disaster Recovery

WARWICK, RI–Spring is just around the corner, and it is the ideal time to start home repairs. For many Rhode Islanders, this year’s springtime repairs include repairing damages from Hurricane Sandy, the Blizzard of 2013, or other severe weather events.

Rhode Islanders who sustained damages from recent severe weather events can call 2-1-1 for a referral to a Long Term Recovery Group or to other disaster aid resources. Information about smart and safe rebuilding is available on the FEMA website, according to FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo

Two key partners in the long-term recovery process are community organizations and faith-based groups. Faith-based groups report that they continue to receive requests for assistance from storm survivors who are struggling to find their “new normal”. 

“We urge anyone who is tackling storm repairs to consider the fact that it costs less to prepare your home for future storms and flooding than it does to repair damage after it has happened,” Russo said.

FEMA has a library of information with techniques to make property safer and stronger at www.fema.gov/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster.

Find tweets about Sandy recovery at www.twitter.com/femaregion1. For Rhode Island specific information go to http://www.fema.gov/sandyri. Other online resources include https://twitter.com/FEMASandy and http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/FEMASandy and http://blog.fema.gov.

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.

Link: 

Rhode Island Looking Toward Long-Term Disaster Recovery

How N.Y. Sandy survivors can protect against fraud

NEW YORK – Sandy survivors need to watch out for people trying to take advantage of their most vulnerable moment. There are a few simple steps survivors can take to protect against fraud and ensure they’re dealing with honest people.

When receiving offers for state or federal aid

Identity thieves are always looking for ways to find their next targets, and some are using offers of state or federal aid to steal personal information from disaster survivors.

It is important to know that:

  • Federal or state workers never solicit or accept money for disaster assistance, inspections or to fill out applications.

To protect against identity thieves and online scams:

  • Never give money, your Social Security number or your banking information to anyone claiming to be a state or federal worker, or to someone who claims they can speed up the disaster assistance application process – whether by phone, e-mail or in-person.
  • Only supply your Social Security number and banking information when registering for FEMA assistance. To register, call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585. You may also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

When hiring a contractor

Especially if the damage to your home is visible to the outside, fraudulent contractors may come offering to help you rebuild.

Be suspicious if a contractor:

  • Demands cash or full payment up front.
  • Demands you sign something you haven’t had time to review.
  • Urges you to borrow from a specific lender or tries to act as an intermediary between you and a lender.

To ensure a contractor is legitimate and you get the best work for your money, follow these guidelines:

  • Get written estimates and reliable references from at least three licensed contractors.
  • Ask to see proof of a contractor’s license and building permit.
  • Compare quotes, repayment schedules and rates.  Make sure the estimates include cost information for labor and materials.
  • Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
  • Read the fine print of any estimate or agreement before signing.
  • Do not sign over an insurance settlement check to a contractor.

When donating to disaster-related charities

Some scam artists play on sympathy for disaster survivors. To make sure you are giving to a legitimate organization:

  • Call the charity directly to verify the solicitor is a legitimate volunteer or employee.
  • Only pay by check in case funds must be stopped later.
  • Request a receipt with the charity’s contact information.
  • Visit fema.gov/volunteer-donate-responsibly for a list of major nonprofits that provide assistance to communities impacted by disaster

Additional steps to protect against fraud

If you suspect someone is perpetrating fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Consumers in New York State encountering these issues may also report them to the New York State Department of State using the online Consumer Complaint Form at dos.ny.gov or by calling their toll-free hotline at 800-697-1220.

Originally from – 

How N.Y. Sandy survivors can protect against fraud

Virtual Flood Map Open House Available for Greater New Orleans Residents

Public Open Houses Set for March 25-27 in St. Charles, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in the Greater New Orleans area who did not get a chance to visit flood map open houses March 18-20 now have a virtual option to get information about preliminary flood maps.

A ‘virtual’ open house is available online at www.floodrisk-la.org and features information on the proposed flood maps for Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Charles parishes.

The website contains links to the online flood maps, and includes details on how to view your flood risk, what it means if your flood risk changes, what you can do to help reduce that flood risk, how to insure your risk, what actions are being taken to address a community’s risk and details about the mapping process.

Meanwhile, there are three flood map open houses scheduled for March 25-27 where residents can meet one on one with state, local and Federal Emergency Management Agency flood mapping partners and view the preliminary maps. Visitors can drop by anytime between 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. on the days below:

  • Monday, March 25 in St. Charles Parish @ RK Smith Middle School, 281 Sugarland Parkway in Luling, LA 70070
  • Tuesday, March 26 in St. Bernard Parish @ St. Bernard Civic Center, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette, LA 70043
  • Wednesday, March 27 in Plaquemines Parish @ Belle Chasse Auditorium, 8398 Hwy 23 in Belle Chasse, LA 70037 

Additional information is available at www.riskmap6.com and http://go.usa.gov/gzU5. Residents can also contact their local floodplain administrators for more details.

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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.    Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

 

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Virtual Flood Map Open House Available for Greater New Orleans Residents

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