More Than $17 Million Approved For Disaster Assistance In Ohio
Housing Referral Desks Set Up To Help Displaced Families in Belmont and Washington Counties

Release Date: October 15, 2004 Release Number: 1556-028

» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Since President Bush issued a disaster declaration on September 19, more than $17.2 million in grants and low-interest disaster loans have been approved to assist flood-stricken residents in southeastern Ohio, according to figures released today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).

Disaster Recovery Summary

Local, state and federal recovery officials and voluntary organizations have combined efforts to assist victims of the severe weather in putting their lives back together. This is a summary of recovery activities as of close of business October 14:

• 7,323 individuals from the 20 designated counties have called to apply for assistance
• 4,265 applications have been approved for Disaster Housing Assistance grants, totaling $9,890,489– for repairing disaster-damaged, uninsured homes to a safe, sanitary and functional condition and for temporary disaster rental assistance (see county-by-county breakdown attached)
• 1,560 applications have been approved for Other Needs Assistance grants, totaling $6,190,996 – for medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation and other eligible expenses
• 5,341 SBA disaster loan applications have been issued (4,241 for homeowners and renters; and 1,100 for businesses), and SBA has approved $1,207,900 in low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses.
• 2,434 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers operating in the affected areas.

Housing referral desks set up. FEMA and the Ohio EMA have set up Housing Referral Desks in the Marietta and St. Clairsville Disaster Recovery Centers to help locate housing for families displaced by the recent flooding. Although FEMA has provided financial assistance to many homeowners and renters, this new housing referral assistance will provide them additional options to help solve their housing needs.

Call to apply. FEMA also wants to remind disaster victims that even if they have applied for disaster assistance with the Red Cross or Salvation Army, their names may not have been referred to FEMA for coverage under its disaster programs. Individuals can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency’s website at http://www.fema.gov, where valuable recovery information is also available.

Unemployment benefits deadline. Deadlines are approaching for individuals to apply for unemployment benefits. Deadlines vary based on where you live in the disaster area. Contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services toll-free at 1-877-644-6562 (877-OHIO-JOB) from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Disaster Recovery Center locations and hours:

• Washington County: Washington County Courthouse, 205 Putnam Street, Marietta
  Open Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice
• Belmont County: Engineers Garage, 45741 Roscoe Road, St. Clairsville
  Open Mon. – Sat., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice
• Jefferson County: Saline Township Complex Building, County Road 50A, Hammondsville
  Open Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday and Thursday only 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies determine homeland strategies and priorities.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.