Hurricane Sandy: NAHMA & HUD

As properties begin the clean-up from Hurricane Sandy, NAHMA and HUD have distributed the following information to help in the recovery efforts.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA)’s Disaster Relief Resource Center has information on the resources and rules that apply to different affordable housing programs in cases of Presidentially Declared Disasters and State Emergencies.

FOOD AND SHELTER:
Salvation Army: Call center is open 24 hours/7 days a week.- 1-800-725-2769. Call the 800 number to find the closest Salvation Army shelter.
American Red Cross: Shelter assistance from your local Chapter can be found by calling 1-800-733-2767, press 1.

FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Registering For FEMA Assistance: The President has declared major disasters for CT, NY and NJ, making disaster assistance available to those in the heaviest hit areas affected by the storm. Disaster assistance is financial or direct assistance to individuals and families whose property has been damaged or destroyed as a result of a federally-declared disaster, and whose losses are not covered by insurance. It is meant to help with critical expenses that cannot be covered in other ways. This assistance is not intended to restore damaged property to its condition before the disaster. There are three ways to apply for assistance:

• Apply Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Apply via a smart phone at m.fema.gov
• Apply by Phone: Call (800) 621-3362. Call TTY (800) 462-7585 for people with speech or hearing disabilities.

A Disaster Recovery Center(DRC) is a readily-accessible facility or mobile office where applicants may go for free information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs. DRCs will be opening up within the disaster areas in next few days. Some of the services may include:

• Assistance with the registration process
• Guidance regarding disaster recovery
• Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information
• Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance

A person can register for assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center, or register online or by calling 1 (800) 621-FEMA (3362). TTY number is 1 (800) 462-7585 for those who are speech- or hearing-impaired.