Individual Assistance Tops $100 Million Mark

Release Date: January 21, 2003 Release Number: 1446-31

» Super Typhoon Pongsona

Dededo, Guam -- A month after President Bush included Individual Assistance to the December 8 disaster declaration for damages caused by Super Typhoon Pongsona, more than $109 million in assistance has been approved for individuals, families and businesses in Guam.

Disaster officials credit the open and direct working relationship between federal agencies and GovGuam in providing more assistance to more people in less time than ever before. "From Day One, we have made it a point to work side-by-side with the federal government to ensure that together, we can identify the most amount of assistance we can get to help our people recover from this latest natural disaster," said Governor Felix P. Camacho.

Assistance includes:

• Individual and Household Program: $27.4 million in housing assistance such as rental or repair assistance has been approved.



• Other Needs Assistance: $49.8 million has been approved for personal property, transportation or other miscellaneous items not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.



• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: More than $198,000 has been approved to assist those who were unable to work due to the typhoon. The last day to file for DUA is Tuesday, January 21.



• U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA): $31.6 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes has been approved. SBA loan application forms are available at the Disaster Recovery Centers or the SBA Disaster Center in the Micronesia Mall. SBA will not mail applications.

Individuals and business owners who suffered losses or damages during Super Typhoon Pongsona are encouraged to register by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing- impaired. February 18 is the last day to apply for federal assistance.

People who have already registered but need to update their information (new telephone numbers, for example) or who have questions about the status of their application, should call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing- impaired.

A local Helpline is also available for those who might need a translator in Chamorro, Chuukese, Tagalog, Spanish or Cantonese. The number is 633-9820.

All lines, including the FEMA teleregistration line, Helpine and local Guam Helpline are in operation from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Guam time.