Queens homeowners who suffered extensive damage from Tropical Storm Irene two weeks ago can now receive federal help. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday that Queens County—along with Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn) and Richmond (Staten Island) counties—has qualified for individual assistance.
Previously, the borough was only eligible for public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which assists local governments and certain non-profit organizations for emergency actions and cleanup. Individual assistance allows homeowners to receive funds for temporary housing, repairs, replacements and other disaster-related expenses.
“I thank FEMA for swiftly assessing the damages and needs of the New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Irene,” Cuomo said. “I also thank the federal government for allocating additional funds to these counties that will aid in the speedy recovery of those impacted by the storm.”
State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) praised the decision. His district, especially areas like Hamilton Beach, were especially hard hit by flooding.
“We saw [FEMA] going to Hamilton [Beach],” Addabbo recalled. “Pat McCabe from my office ran out to them and said, ‘We’re glad you’re here, you have to help.’”
Addabbo also said the money will now go to people who truly need it. “It’s the right thing to do. We have people here, not wealthy people but hard working residents, that don’t necessarily have the money to replace a boiler or fix the mold on their walls.”
The first step for homeowners who think they qualify for assistance is registering with FEMA.
“There are many misconceptions about getting help,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Philip Parr. “Often people who would qualify for assistance miss out because they are mistaken or misinformed.”
Residents must file a formal registration by calling FEMA’s toll-free number, 800-621-3362, or online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Following the registration, an independent inspector, contracted by FEMA, assess the damages, normally within 10 days. Following the recommendations of the inspector, a FEMA panel determines whether the individual qualifies for federal funds.
Certain applicants may be referred to the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan process. These are low-interest loans that allow up to $200,000 to repair or replace real estate or up to $40,000 for personal property.
Renters can also receive assistance, especially for help finding alternate temporary dwellings while their current building or apartment is being repaired and for free referral services to find a safe replacement property.
FEMA stresses the importance of registering and starting the process. The administration said that many misconceptions—already making repairs does not disqualify a homeowner, nor does the federal assistance negatively impact Social Security checks or tax returns—keep people from receiving the help they deserve.
However, the most common reason many homeowners do not receive help is because of the assumption that talking to state or city officials about the damages—such as calling 311—automatically registers them with FEMA.
By Eric Yun
