Two Weeks Left To Return SBA Disaster Loan Application, Register For Assistance

NEW YORK — Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey have less than two weeks to register for disaster assistance and to return their applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The quickest way to apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan is filling out an online application at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Ways to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov
  • Call the 24-hour numbers 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585
  • For 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) call 800-621-3362
  • A FEMA Language Assistance Line is available for those who need interpretation services in languages other than English or Spanish. Call: 866-333-1796.

Survivors must register or return the loan application by the deadline in their state.

Deadline for New York: Monday, Jan. 28, by midnight EST. Counties in NEW YORK designated for individual assistance include: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

Deadline for New Jersey: Wednesday, Jan. 30, by midnight EST. ALL counties in NEW JERSEY are designated for individual assistance.

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. In most cases, FEMA funds will not cover all of the repair needs of homeowners. Money for a temporary rental home is the form of help FEMA largely provides so obtaining a low-interest SBA disaster loan is a survivor’s best option for repairing their home and replacing property.

People can apply to SBA before settling with their insurance company – so there’s no need to wait. Applying by the deadline can avoid a shortfall in rebuilding money if survivors later discover they are underinsured.

By returning the SBA loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged home. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property such as clothing, furniture, cars and appliances.

There is no obligation to accept an SBA disaster home loan and homeowners and renters may become eligible for additional FEMA grants if they are not approved for a loan.

For businesses and private nonprofit organizations, the SBA may loan up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

For additional information on SBA, contact the customer service center by calling 800-659-2955

(for people who are deaf or hard of hearing TTY 800-877-8339), emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA may be able to help with disaster-related costs that are not covered by insurance. Survivors in designated counties are encouraged to apply for possible grant assistance for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. People who have sustained a loss due to Hurricane Sandy should register even if they have insurance.

Affected survivors may visit a disaster recovery center for more information about FEMA and SBA assistance. For nearby locations, visit www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

For more information on Hurricane Sandy recovery, visit:

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Two Weeks Left To Return SBA Disaster Loan Application, Register For Assistance

Three Weeks Left to Register for Disaster Assistance

NEW YORK – The Jan. 28 deadline is approaching for Hurricane Sandy survivors in 13 designated New York counties to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance.

FEMA

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Nearly 261,000 New Yorkers have contacted FEMA for help or information and more than $827 million in total individual assistance grants has been approved.

The deadline affects Sandy survivors living in counties designated for individual assistance: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

Ways to register with FEMA:

  • Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
  • Call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  • For 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) call 800-621-3362.
  • The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

The U.S. Small Business Administration

Survivors who have registered with FEMA and received a loan application from the SBA are urged to complete and return it. The information could lead to other FEMA help. No one is required to accept a loan.

SBA has approved more than $420 million in loans for homes and businesses.

The deadline to return the SBA application is Jan. 28, the same as the deadline for registering with FEMA.

SBA assistance includes:

  • Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate or personal property. Renters are eligible for personal property losses, including automobiles.
  • Business Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size may apply. Certain private, non-profit organizations may also be eligible.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations meet their ordinary financial obligations that cannot be met because of the disaster. The deadline for economic injury loan applications is July 31. 

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Three Weeks Left to Register for Disaster Assistance

Two Months Later, Recovery Efforts Are Still Going Strong in New York

NEW YORK — In the two months since Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New York, recovery moves forward for survivors, businesses and communities.

“New Yorkers have made tremendous progress in their journey toward recovery from Hurricane Sandy,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “The efforts of the survivors themselves, combined with those of the whole recovery community, have made all the difference in New York.”  

Below is a snapshot of significant milestones achieved by FEMA, the state of New York and federal partners since the Oct. 30 disaster declaration:

  • FEMA and the state have approved more than $816.3 million in disaster assistance for New Yorkers through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, which helps eligible applicants with emergency home repairs; uninsured personal property losses; and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster. It also helps cover other disaster-related expenses.
  • 13 New York counties are designated for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. These are Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. Greene County has been designated for Public Assistance only.
  • A total of 258,527 New Yorkers have registered for disaster assistance in the 13 counties designated for Individual Assistance including more than 140,000 who have applied through the online application site at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or on their smartphone at m.fema.gov.

Assistance to residents in the heaviest hit counties includes:

  • Bronx                $2.2 million
  • Kings                 $177.8 million
  • Nassau               $266.3 million
  • New York         $12 million
  • Queens              $208.6 million
  • Richmond         $83.8 million
  • Suffolk              $60.6 million
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $322 million in disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses. The SBA has staff members at every FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center and 19 Business Recovery Centers in the New York area to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance.

FEMA PA program reimburses state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 75 percent of costs for disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure.

  • In the two months since Hurricane Sandy made landfall, FEMA Public Assistance has awarded more than $318 million dollars to local governments and eligible nonprofits.
  • New York University Langone Medical Center: $149.5 million to reimburse the cost of evacuating patients, performing emergency repairs, cleaning facilities and replacing critical equipment.
  • New York Police Department: More than $75.7 million to help pay for uniformed and civilian personnel who patrolled streets, distributed food and water to hurricane survivors and assisted residents in obtaining emergency medical care.
  • City of New York Department of Sanitation: More than $46.8 million to reimburse labor and equipment expenditures for the removal of an estimated 1.3 million cubic yards of debris.  
  • City of Long Beach: More than $24.3 million for expenses incurred collecting and clearing more than 700,000 cubic yards of debris scattered across the city.
  • Nassau County: More than $18 million for costs associated with debris removal and disposal throughout the county.
  • Nassau County: More than $2.8 million to help pay for the implementation of the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program.
  • Suffolk County: More than $1.1 million for costs associated with STEP.
  • More than 258,000 New Yorkers have contacted FEMA for information or registered for assistance.
  • FEMA housing inspectors have completed 167,107 home inspections, an important first step in determining eligibility for housing assistance.
  • Nearly 1,300 Community Relations specialists who responded to Hurricane Sandy have met face-to-face with more than 88,000 survivors at homes, schools, and community- and faith-based organizations. The CR teams visited counties designated for Individual Assistance, providing information, and answering survivors’ questions in neighborhoods, at Disaster Recovery Centers, and at points of distribution and shelters early in the response. They also reported critical issues in real-time for immediate action. 
  • Workers who have lost their jobs or those who are self-employed and unable to provide their services because of Hurricane Sandy have received $1,755,266 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
  • 22 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the affected areas. These include mobile sites as well as fixed sites, and to date more than 110,000 survivors have been assisted at Disaster Recovery Centers in New York.
  • FEMA Mitigation specialists have provided advice and tips on how to repair and rebuild safer and stronger homes to 18,900 New Yorkers at recovery centers and home improvement stores.
  • FEMA specialists numbering 4,931 deployed from around the United States to help New York respond to and recover from Hurricane Sandy. FEMA teams continue to work with whole community partners to advance the recovery effort and mitigate against future hazards.
  • Nearly 900 National Service Members (AmeriCorps, FEMA Corps, and Senior Corps) have responded to communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  Areas of operation include: shelter operations, mass care, needs assessments, call centers, debris removal, and management of spontaneous volunteers.
  • More than 500 national and state voluntary organizations; local community and faith-based organizations have called upon their volunteers, to provide help to Sandy survivors in a range of programs and services. A number of the agencies will be part of the long-term recovery effort, working to meet the needs of hurricane survivors that go beyond state and federal assistance dollars.
  • More than 200 FEMA Corps young adults joined the Hurricane Sandy response under their assignment with the new program. Aimed at enhancing the nation’s ability to assist disaster survivors while expanding career opportunities for young people, FEMA Corps is a unique partnership between FEMA and the Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps.

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.  Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers are operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice.

Editor: A related story can be located at: http://www.fema.gov/updates/two-months-later-strong-recovery-effort-new-york

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085,http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog

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Two Months Later, Recovery Efforts Are Still Going Strong in New York

Grant Will Help Sandy Survivors with Unmet Needs

NEW YORK—New York State survivors of Hurricane Sandy whose disaster-related needs cannot be met with existing federal and state assistance will now have access to case management services to identify additional resources for their recovery.

The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that more than $9.6 million in federal funds has been made available for the Disaster Case Management program, which is fully funded by FEMA and administered by the state in partnership with nonprofit, community-based agencies.

Through this program, disaster survivors will have a single point of contact for a broad range of services to help identify resources to meet their needs.

“It’s going to take the whole community working together to help New Yorkers with their recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “Disaster case management is an integral part of helping survivors become self-sufficient. This grant brings together the resources of the state and federal government, in coordination with local communities, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, to match the needs of survivors with the services available within their communities.”

Case managers will assist disaster survivors in developing a goal-oriented plan for their recovery, match survivors’ essential needs to available resources in the area and monitor their progress toward reaching recovery goals. Services are available to any survivor with disaster-caused unmet needs.

At the request of the state, the program is operating in Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties and offering case management services for up to 24 months.

The State of New York is working with FEMA on a request for additional disaster case management assistance in the five boroughs of New York City.

Survivors who have unmet needs are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for information on services available in their area and referrals to case management services.  For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Grant Will Help Sandy Survivors with Unmet Needs

Greene County Designated for FEMA Public Assistance for Sandy Response, Rebuilding Costs

14 New York counties now eligible for public infrastructure repair, emergency work and cleanup reimbursement

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that Greene County is now eligible for disaster aid under the FEMA Public Assistance program.

The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments, tribal organizations and certain private nonprofit entities at least 75 percent of costs for disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure. The remaining 25 percent comes from non-federal funds.

In order to qualify, damage must be a direct result of Hurricane Sandy.

“I am pleased to announce that Greene County has been added to the disaster declaration,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “As the recovery continues, FEMA is working with our state and local partners to rebuild New York. We have been here since the beginning and will stay here until our work is done.”

With the addition of Greene County, there are now 14 New York counties designated for Public Assistance  under President Obama’s federal disaster declaration for New York, including: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and Greene.

In the seven weeks since Hurricane Sandy made landfall, FEMA has awarded more than

$318 million to local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Greene County Designated for FEMA Public Assistance for Sandy Response, Rebuilding Costs

Assistance to New York State Sandy Survivors Tops $1 Billion

NEW YORK – Nearly seven weeks since the Oct. 30 federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Sandy in New York, more than $1 billion in state and federal assistance has been approved for survivors.

“We are all working together to get the disaster assistance where it needs to be – in the hands of survivors and communities,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “FEMA’s mission has been to help individuals and families recover from the disaster and we will continue to support residents until the mission is completed.”

While there is still much work to be done, this money has contributed significantly to the recovery effort. Survivors are repairing homes and debris is getting cleaned up. FEMA assistance is helping to speed the pace of recovery for survivors. 

FEMA continues to reach out to all 13 counties designated for Individual Assistance, focusing on the hardest-hit areas. Assistance to residents in affected counties includes:

  • Bronx                $2.1 million
  • Kings                 $175 million
  • Nassau               $263.8 million
  • New York         $11.9 million
  • Queens              $205.9 million
  • Richmond         $82.8 million
  • Suffolk              $59.8 million

FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved more than $1 billion for Hurricane Sandy survivors. This includes more than $806 million in Individual Assistance and more than $723 million for Housing Assistance and nearly $83 million in assistance for other needs.

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $264 million in disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses. The SBA has staff members at every FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center and 19 Business Recovery Centers in the New York area to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance.
  • More than 256,000 New Yorkers have contacted FEMA for information or registered for assistance, including more than 139,000 who have applied through the online application site at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or on their smartphone at m.fema.gov.
  • 24 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the affected areas. These include mobile sites as well as fixed sites, and to date nearly 105,000 survivors have been assisted at Disaster Recovery Centers in New York.           
  • 91 inspectors are currently in the field. To date 164,824 home inspections have been completed, making a 99 percent completion rate.
  • 2 Points of Distribution remain open in Nassau County providing meals, water and blankets. 
  • 13 New York counties are designated for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. These are Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. Greene County has been designated for Public Assistance only. 
  • Public Assistance funds are also flowing; so far, more than $318 million has been obligated to the state to help replenish dollars spent to protect New Yorkers before, during and after the storm. The FEMA PA program reimburses state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 75 percent of costs for

disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure. In order to qualify, damage must be a direct result of Hurricane Sandy.

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.  Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers are operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Link: 

Assistance to New York State Sandy Survivors Tops $1 Billion

FEMA, SBA Assistance to New York Survivors Tops $1 Billion

NEW YORK – Federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Sandy survivors tops $1 billion in New York.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved grants of more than $802 million for rental assistance, home repairs and other needs. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved low-interest disaster loans of more than $232 million to help homeowners and renters recover from uninsured property loss and other damages.

SBA has also issued loans totaling nearly $17 million to help business owners recover from damages caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“This billion dollar milestone follows President Obama’s words to me,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “He told me ‘stay on it’ after he saw the devastation first hand. As a New Yorker, I can speak for FEMA and all of our partners when I promise that we will stay on it right through recovery.”

Hurricane Sandy caused damage in 13 New York counties that were designated for Individual Assistance grants to help survivors repair homes, replace lost property and pay for other essential disaster-related needs.

The 13 counties designated for Individual Assistance include: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

Disaster Recovery Centers are still open in most designated counties where FEMA and SBA specialists are on hand to answer questions. To find the nearest recovery center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can also find a recovery center – and register for disaster assistance – online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app. They may also call FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until Jan. 28, 2013 to register for federal disaster assistance.

President Barack Obama declared a major disaster on Oct. 30, 2012 following Hurricane Sandy’s impact on New York beginning Oct. 27.  

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA, SBA Assistance to New York Survivors Tops $1 Billion

FEMA May be Able to Help Some Nonprofits with Public Assistance Disaster Grants

NEW YORK – Nonprofit organizations that suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy may apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance (PA) funding to help them get back to the business of helping others.

“We encourage eligible nonprofit organizations to apply,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “FEMA is committed to assisting qualifying nonprofits as they recover from Hurricane Sandy.”

Private non-profit agencies that provide what are defined as critical services to the community may file a Request for Public Assistance from FEMA for reimbursement of costs incurred for emergency work performed as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

Facilities that provide critical services include:

  • Hospitals and other medical-treatment facilities;
  • Fire, police and other emergency services;
  • Power, water and sewer utilities; and
  • Educational institutions.

Private nonprofits that provide what are defined as essential services to the community may also be eligible for PA to repair damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. However, these private non-profits must first apply to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest loan.
Facilities that provide essential services include: 

  • Libraries, museums and zoos;
  • Community centers;
  • Disability advocacy and service providers;
  • Homeless shelters and rehabilitation facilities; and
  • Senior citizen centers and day-care centers.

FEMA reimburses no less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures and permanent restoration costs, including debris removal and infrastructure repair or replacement. FEMA specialists are available to help nonprofits through the application process.

To be eligible for PA, a private nonprofit organization must have a ruling letter from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or provide other, satisfactory, evidence from the state of New York that it is a nonprofit organization doing business under state law.

The deadline for requests for Public Assistance, which was due to expire, has been extended. 

The new deadlines are:

  • Jan. 28, 2013: for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk and Queens counties;
  • Feb. 1, 2013: for Rockland and Westchester counties; and
  • Feb. 11, 2013: for Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

Public Assistance is a program administered by New York State and funded by FEMA.

Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about FEMA Public Assistance should visit: www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

View article – 

FEMA May be Able to Help Some Nonprofits with Public Assistance Disaster Grants

President Declares Disaster for Commonwealth of Massachusetts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to Massachusetts to supplement the commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy during the period of October 27 to November 8, 2012.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to the commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Plymouth, and Suffolk counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

James N. Russo has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Russo said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

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.

Link:

President Declares Disaster for Commonwealth of Massachusetts

FEMA Helps Survivors Solve Housing Needs

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and our federal partners are working closely with the state to address the housing needs of New Yorkers displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Our priority is to help survivors move out of hotel rooms and into apartments or their safe, repaired homes.

FEMA has identified rentals in the area damaged by Hurricane Sandy and is working to match survivors to that available housing. A goal is to place survivors in rentals within their neighborhoods, or as close as possible to those areas. This not only is better for survivors, it helps neighborhood businesses.

Our goal is to maximize the number of people who are able to move back into their own homes; and for them to get home as quickly as possible.

There are several programs in place to help ease this housing crunch in a place where there is always a housing crunch.

The STEP Program

FEMA has authorized an emergency program designed to make damaged homes safe so survivors can return during the recovery process. The program, Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP), pays for those temporary and necessary repairs that help restore power, heat and hot water to primary residences prior to permanent repairs. This program is implemented by NYC, Nassau and Suffolk counties.

First, if it’s safe to inspect the home, damages will be assessed. If it’s practical, electricity will be restored along with other basic repairs.

Some homes may be eligible for other temporary repairs. Temporary repairs could include securing broken windows, covering damaged exterior walls and roofs, and patching and securing damaged exterior doors.

An inspector will decide what elements of the STEP Program are available for each residence.
Certain defined components of STEP are included in New York City’s Rapid Repair Program.

  • Residents in NYC can call 3-1-1 or go a New York City Restoration Center.
  • Nassau County residents: 888-684-4267.
  • Suffolk County residents: 2-1-1.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance

To get people out of shelters, FEMA activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program to move eligible survivors into hotels or motels if they can’t return to their damaged homes. TSA lodging expenses are paid directly to the hotel by FEMA.

The program has been extended four weeks. The new extension will allow applicants to remain in participating hotels during the holiday season. FEMA will call applicants eligible for the extension to notify them of the extended four-week period and the checkout date of Jan. 12, 2013.   
 
TSA-eligible survivors can receive help finding a hotel by calling: 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

Help finding TSA participating hotels also is available online: www.femaevachotels.com.

Rental Assistance

Renters with a need for housing because of storm damage to their dwelling may be eligible for a FEMA temporary rental grant. This assistance may be provided while renters are working to accomplish a permanent housing plan.

Returning to a permanent home is a significant milestone on the road to recovery. FEMA rental assistance may last for up to 18 months from the date of declaration. So it’s important for survivors to have a permanent housing plan.

FEMA has a Housing Portal at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm to help families find rental units. In addition to apartments or homes normally available, the portal identifies units provided by our federal partners.

To be eligible for possible rental assistance, survivors must first register with FEMA. There are many ways to register.

Individuals can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov. People may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

The deadline to register with FEMA is Jan. 28, 2013.

U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, led by Secretary Shaun Donovan, is also playing an active role in providing temporary housing to storm-displaced families. HUD has identified thousands of available units in HUD-assisted housing and is getting that information to displaced individuals, primarily at Disaster Recovery Centers.

The Department has also increased fair market rental allowances to make it easier for displaced Section 8 voucher recipients to find replacement housing, and is allowing owners of HUD-funded senior developments the flexibility to open up vacant units to storm evacuees.

Secretary Donovan was also instrumental in bringing together New York City and State government officials and real estate trade groups in the aftermath of the storm to find housing for New York displaced families. This has led to a government and private sector partnership that gives displaced families greater options in finding vacant apartments that are affordable and safe.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Original source:

FEMA Helps Survivors Solve Housing Needs

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