LFF Compassion & Important FEMA Information!
As Louisiana recovers from the flood of 2016, LFF has been serving as an information broker for relief efforts and connecting pastors and public officials to resolve areas of need for our state.
If you suspect that you have reason for a claim, here are options that may assist you:
- Public Assistance (PA) Update – PA offers assistance to State and Local governments and SOME private non-profit organizations (PNP) when they incur costs due the declared events. A PNP can receive assistance only if it receives damages to a facility where they offer essential government services to the general public (that would be a school, a child care, homeless shelter, food bank, or several other services). Some PNP’s do have to apply for SBA loans to be considered for FEMA assistance. That is based on the type of service provided in the damage facility. Any insurance proceeds are deducted from FEMA assistance. In order to be considered under the PA program, an entity has to file a request for public assistance. By doing that, they will get a FEMA and GOHSEP team to come out and visit the property to discuss eligibility. They will need to visit www.lousianapa.com to register.
- IA Program Update – homeowners and renters are encouraged to sign up for assistance immediately. You do not have to wait until you file your insurance claim or wait for an adjuster to arrive. Do not wait; register at disasterassistance.gov or all 1-800-621-3362.
- Small Business Administration Loan (SBA) Program – SBA can provide up to $2M on a low-interest disaster loan (2.65% rate for non-profits, 1.56% for individuals, and 4% for businesses). Churches need to apply for assistance for that. (www.sba.gov/disaster). The church is suggested to apply for the loan anyway to be eligible to receive any assistance under the PA guidelines. However, not applying does not necessarily disqualify you from receiving PA. But if you become eligible for the loan but decline the loan… FEMA would give a penalty by reducing the amount of aid SBA would have provided. If SBA denies the loan, there is no “penalty” from FEMA. A deny from SBA does not trigger a denial from FEMA. You can apply for an SBA loan by clicking here.
- All requests will be matched with a FEMA housing inspector who must inspect the home. The individual will then receive a packet of information that will explain eligibility. The individual should then fill out the application if they want to accept the certain grants/loans.
- Regarding renters and landlords –all renters are encouraged to apply for disaster assistance (go towww.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362). Rental assistance won’t go to the landlord. A landlord would be referred to SBA for infrastructure on a separate application.
- Regarding clean up, mud out, and mold remediation – FEMA advised that you talk with your flood insurance agent ASAP for when to start cleaning up your home. Those with or without insurance should document and take pictures and/or videos of their home’s damage before remediation takes place. This documentation will help the FEMA inspector.
- Finally, FEMA stressed that their inspectors do not charge money for inspections, so be sure to call Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office (225-326-6079) and report any individuals that are charging money for inspections.
For additional information visit www.fema.gov.
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