PUBLIC ASSISTANCE INFO YOU MIGHT FIND USEFUL:
Help with finding housing: http://www.hurricanehousing.net/
FEMA:
Help line: 1-800-621-FEMA – choose help (option 3) from menu.
You have 60 days after a disaster is declared by the President to file with FEMA.
1 st payment: $2000
2 nd payment $2358 is for 3-month rental assistance. This represents $ based upon HUD's fair market value for rentals in US for 2 BD apartment. If need more bedrooms, call FEMA and they will adjust amount.
3 rd payment and beyond: You MUST apply for this additional assistance. NO form will be mailed to you. You should start this process in the beginning of the third month. Call FEMA for address to mail documents. You must submit: (1) rental receipt from landlord, (2) statement that house is still uninhabitable – from insurance company, contractor, etc. You basically must show that you are seeking a permanent housing solution. These rules applies to both renters and homeowners.
FEMA contact in Baton Rouge : 225-242-6000, Michael Cosbar, Joint Field Office, Individual Assistance.
Post Disaster Guidelines for Use of Trailers – Jefferson Parish Inspection and Code Enforcement dated October 5, 2005 :
• No building permit shall be required for temporary housing units (for residential purposes) provided, installed, and managed by FEMA, in accordance with all federal regulations. Such FEMA provided temporary housing units shall be allowed on all private property irrespective of the zoning classification of such private property.
• No building permit shall be required for the temporary placement of RVs, travel trailers, motor coaches, mobile homes, pop ups and other equipment designed for short term living purposes on residentially zoned property. All such temporary living quarters shall be placed on the residentially-zoned property in such fashion as to not obstruct the sidewalk area or public streets. All such temporary quarters shall be installed in strict accordance with manufacturer's specifications and existing Jefferson Parish safety and sanitary regulations. Must contact the electrical and plumbing sections for inspections.
• All such temporary provisions shall expire on January 1, 2006 subject to further review extension by Jefferson Parish.
Disaster Food Assistance Debit Card:
Hours: Westside Shopping Center – 9:00 am to 7:00 pm – this location open through October 14, 2005.
Information needed: (1) Photo ID required (D/L or State ID), (2) social security numbers you, spouse, all dependents, (3) proof of where you were living at time of disaster (ID or other document with address, i.e., electric bill). NOTE: If you were living in an area totally flooded, probably will not have a document, they will work you.
Funds available: Food stamps for months of September and October. May be approving for November – to be decided later.
Areas covered – NOTE: all zip codes in these areas are covered: Jefferson, Orleans , St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Plaquemines.
If you already applied and received funds for September, they will automatically reload card for October – there is no need to reapply. You can check the balance on your card @ the 800# on the back of the card using your PIN.
There are income limitations – disaster costs must exceed income/savings. No proof of costs required; see form.
Disaster costs include NOTE: They do not require receipts for these expenses:
• Food destroyed in disaster (refridgerator and/or freezer)
• Dependent care due to disaster
• Funeral/medical/dental expenses due to disaster
• Moving and storage costs due to disaster
• Temporary shelter expenses
• Costs to protect property during disaster
• Cost to repair or replace items for home or self-employment property
• Gas, food, lodging to evacuate
• Cost to repair and/or protect home
• Deductible of insurance policies – homeowners and/or flood
• Any co-insurance on above policies
Contacts:
Assistant Manager for Jefferson Parish: Ann Koen : 504-361-6879
Orleans Parish Manager/Supervisor: Ben Francoise, III: office 504-599-1815 (not working at this time)
Operation Blue Roof:
By US Army Corps of Engineers – Puts tarps on houses – 888-ROOFBLU
SBA – Small Business Administration:
At Westside Shopping Center – 9:00 am to 7:00 pm – Will be there at least until 12-31-05
Individuals:
• Loans available to individuals up to $200,000 +$40,000 personal belongings + 20% of loan for costs to prevent damage again (ex. Storrn windows, flood walls, etc.)
• Must file a FEMA claim and have a FEMA claim #
• Come in or call SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or online at http://www.sba.gov/disaster
• Home disaster loans – loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate or personal property owned by the victim. Renters are eligible for their personal property losses, including automobiles.
• Application filing deadlines:
Katrina: Physical damage – October 28, 2005; Economic Injury – May 29, 2006
Rita: Physical damage – November 23, 2005; Economic injury – June 26, 2006
• Bring with you Declaration page of insurance policies; payroll check stubs; proof of ownership; etc.
• Once obtain loan, have up to 5 months before payments are due
Businesses:
• Loans available to businesses up to $1.5 million – total – no add-ons like above 30 year loans
• Once obtain loan, have up to 5 months before payments are due
• Must file a FEMA claim and have a FEMA claim #
• SBA covers any type of business. NOTE: If LLC, sole proprietor, chapter S: bring in individual tax returns – 3 years.
• Bring in tax returns for 2002, 2003, 2004. Bring in Jan 2005 through Aug 2005 monthly income statements.
• Give estimated revenue through disaster period
• Bring declaration page of insurance policies.
• Come in or call SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or online at http://www.sba.gov/disaster
Important Links:
www.wjmc.org
www.entergy.com
www.jppss.k12.la.us
www.usps.com
www.fema.gov
www.jeffparish.net
www.laworks.net for Disaster Unemployment
… provided by West Jefferson Medical Center