Federal agency promises quick assistance to hurricane victims

Published: 2004-08-23

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CNS) -- The victims of Hurricane Charley are reaping the benefits of lessons learned 12 years ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is rushing aid to the residents of the 26 counties that have been declared disaster areas. The aid comes in the form of money and services for storm-related losses that are not covered by insurance. Within five days after the Aug. 13 hurricane, FEMA had processed 60,851 applications and approved disaster aid checks totaling over $10 million -- including $6.3 million for housing assistance and $3.8 million for other disaster-related needs. "The money is not a loan," said Barbara Ellis, a FEMA spokeswoman, "and it doesn't need to be repaid." The agency's Individuals and Households Program will pay for temporary housing and home repairs, and other necessary expenses, including storm-related medical and dental expenses, replacement of personal property and the costs of moving and storage.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .