NEWEST INFORMATION: FEMA ADDS NEW DISASTER ASSISTANCE CENTERS

Press Release

COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

H. Lee Dennison Building

100 Veterans Memorial Highway

P.O. Box 6100

Hauppauge, New York 11788-0099

(631) 853-4000

 Steven Bellone

SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Press Release

November 9, 2012

Contact Information:

Vanessa B. Streeter

(Office) 631-853-7801

(Cell) 631-885-2298

Suffolk County Update

12:45 p.m.

NEWEST INFORMATION: FEMA ADDS NEW DISASTER ASSISTANCE CENTERS

  

FEMA Disaster Assistance Centers (See ADDITIONAL NEW Locations Below!)

 A Disaster Recovery Center is a readily accessible facility or mobile office where applicants can go for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs, or for questions related to their case. 

FEMA representatives are on hand to assist residents in filling out FEMA applications, answer any questions and provide lists of resources.  There are also Small Business representatives, as well as County representatives from the offices of the Department of Health, Economic Development, Labor, Social Services, and Transitional Housing. 

H. Lee  Dennison – 100 Vet’s Highway, Hauppauge, NY

Islip Town Annex – 400 Main Street, Islip

Lindenhurst Public Library – 1 Lee Street, Lindenhurst

Mastic Beach Rec Center – 5 Herkimer St, Mastic Beach, NY

Suffolk County Center – 300 Center Drive, Riverhead

MOBILE UNIT for Friday 11/9 & Saturday 11/10: East Hampton Town Hall – 159 Pantigo Rd., East Hampton, NY

Countywide Housing Taskforce Established

In collaboration with FEMA, County Executive Bellone has established aCountywide Housing Taskforce that will identify local housing needs for individuals and families impacted by the disaster and coordinate with available housing resources. 

FEMA Increases Rental Assistance Subsidy

In addition, as part of the effort to ensure that families and individuals get the support they need, FEMA has increased the amount of rental assistance that it may provide to eligible disaster survivors in New York and New Jersey, including Suffolk County.  Rental support, previously based on existing HUD  Fair Market Rates (FMR)for fiscal year 2013 has been increased 25 percent.  This increased rental subsisdy is expected to make additional rental resources in effected areas available for temporary housing for disaster effected families. 

Here are the FMR for fiscal year 2013, which are based on family size, along with the increases as per 25% increase announced by FEMA.

1 bedroom: $1,285 increased to $1,606

2 bedroom: $1,583 increased to $1,978

3 bedroom: $2,058 increased to $2,572

4 bedroom: $2,370 increased to $2,962

Important FEMA Information

1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

What Information Do I Need to Apply?

Whether applying online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov from your computer or smartphone, or over the phone through a FEMA call center, you should have a pen and paper and the following information ready:

·        Your Social Security number

·        Current and pre-disaster address

·        A telephone number where you can be contacted

·        Insurance information

·        Total household annual income

·        A routing and account number from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account)  your bank routing number is located on the lower left side of your bank checks immediately before your account number.

·        A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster

After you've completed your application for assistance, you will be given a FEMA application number. Write down this number and keep it for future reference.

PLEASE  SHARE THIS IMPORTANT MESSAGE:  In order to be eligible for FEMA Rental Assistance you must answer “yes” to when asked if you wan to relocate.  Note, relocation can be many things, including placing a trailer on your own property for temporary housing.