News Releases for September 2007
September 14, 2007
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Outlines State, Federal Assistance Available For Northwood
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today said that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance and The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance will be provided at the agencies’ Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). The DRC will be incorporated into the existing One-Stop Service Center. All agency services will be located in the Northwood Community Center beginning on Saturday at noon. Hours next week will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Disaster victims are urged to register for assistance first by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired. Victims can also register online at www.fema.gov or visit a DRC to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists.
Representatives of the state, federal and voluntary agencies, as well as customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be available to answer questions and provide recovery information. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Businesses of any size and private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $1.5 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.
For small businesses only, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
Residents should first contact their insurance agents to begin the insurance process. Federal and state disaster assistance is available for uninsured losses only. If an individual is underinsured, there may be additional assistance through the SBA Disaster Loan program for a more complete recovery. If eligible, applicants can access FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) programs. Additional services from FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program may be available. ONA is cost-shared program between FEMA (75 percent) and the State of North Dakota (25 percent).
Housing Assistance
- Temporary housing (rent and lodging expense): Money to rent a different place to live or a temporary housing unit, such as a FEMA-provided mobile home, when rental properties are not available.
- Repair: Money for homeowners to repair damage from the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to repair the home to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition.
- Replacement: Money may be available to uninsured homeowners to assist with permanent housing needs.
Other Needs Assistance (ONA)
Money is available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage, and other expenses that are authorized by law. An applicant does not apply for ONA. If SBA determines that an applicant cannot afford a loan, SBA will automatically refer the applicant to ONA for additional help.
In addition, Hoeven said the state has committed Community Development Block Grants (CBDG) to help residents. CDBG funds can be used for housing rehabilitation and replacement assistance, and rehabilitation of rental property. To qualify, residents must first complete an SBA or FEMA Individual Assistance application to determine what federal funding is available. The local Unmet Needs Committee, which consists of community leaders and local clergy, will establish priorities for individual unmet needs. CDGB and donated funds will be disbursed according to locally established criteria.
The American Red Cross, Lutheran Disaster Response, and other faith based disaster relief organizations will work with individuals to determine what unmet needs can be provided if found ineligible for state or federal programs. Application for assistance can be through the DRC. Applicants need to provide documentation of insurance coverage.
State programs available to Grand Forks County and Northwood area residents include:
- N.D. Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) – Provides State management of FEMA Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. The agency is well as coordination of available state resources.
- N.D. Department of Veterans Affairs – Offers grants and loans for veterans.
- N.D. Housing Finance Agency – Will offer technical assistance to coordinate state and federal housing programs to build and rebuild affordable homes for residents. The agency has also postponed mortgage payments for up to 90 days for impacted homeowners and provided an inventory of available housing in the area.
- N.D. Department of Transportation – Continues to provide Emergency Radio service support with a local radio source for customized messages.
- N.D. Department of Health – Provides technical assistance with local health needs, medical supply needs and environmental needs.
N.D. Department of Human Services (NDDHS) provides the following services:
- Food Stamps - The state has applied to take part in the disaster food stamp program. If the state's application is approved, details of the program will be made available immediately.
- Mental Health – Northeast Human Service Center in Grand Forks provides services for individuals and families in crisis and emergency situations. Toll Free: (800) 845-3731 Phone: (701) 775-0525
- Medicaid – Provides medical services with the objective of retaining or attaining capability for independence, self-care, and support. Medicaid applications can be requested in person, by phone, or in writing to Grand Forks County Social Services Office. Medicaid applications are also available at certain hospitals.
- Heating Assistance – The Energy Assistance Program helps eligible individuals and families with heating and insulation related costs in the winter. In North Dakota, applications will be accepted beginning October 1, 2007. To apply for energy assistance, contact Grand Forks County Social Services Office.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Child Care Assistance may be available if families have experienced a change in income. Please contact Grand Forks County Social Services Office to apply.
Job Service North Dakota – Provides residents whose workplace is not operational with unemployment insurance. Log on to www.jobsnd.com, or contact the Unemployment Insurance Claims Center at 701-328-4995. Self-employed individuals, business owners, farmers, farm workers, migrant workers, or individuals not eligible for state unemployment benefits and who have lost work time since August 26, 2007, due to the tornado may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program deadline is October 14, 2007.
Bank of North Dakota – Provides low interest disaster assistance with Business Disaster Relief Program.
Secretary of State – Provides contractor check-in information and updated listing of all contractors licensed within the state of N.D. Contact Alerus Financial Bank.
N.D. Insurance Office – Provides technical assistance for insurance policy holders and providers.
N.D. Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NDVOAD) – Assessing for Unmet Needs.
N.D. Rural Development Council and the Center for Technology and Business will assist Fannie Mae with a household assessment in Northwood next week, utilizing Palm Pilots and survey software to track post-tornado housing, health issues, and updating damage assessments. They will be going door-to-door and also be available in some scheduled community meetings. They hope to get feedback from all 410 affected homes. Survey results will be generated along with a PowerPoint presentation for service providers and appropriate agencies will be contacted to provide appropriate assistance.
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