National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

 

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Relief and Recovery Assistance Guide

 

December 20, 2005

To subscribe or submit feedback email

Esf-06-MASS-CARE@dhs.gov 

 

Download the latest edition of this guide at www.nvoad.org

 

Please Note:

Assistance programs operate for defined and often limited periods of time.

Please be sure to check the current availability of any program listed in this Guide.

 

Let’s make the relief process easier for survivors. You can help.  Please send us local disaster assistance, service and recovery information which you wish to be included in the guide. We will do our best to get it in the next edition. Contact us at ESF-06-Mass-Care@dhs.gov with any comments, questions or concerns you may have.

 


Table of Contents

 

Table of Contents. 3

I.      Overview... 5

Purpose.. 5

The Recovery Process (Sequence of Delivery)5

How to Use/Access the Internet.. 7

II. Disaster Assistance.. 8

Consumer Protection Information.. 8

Employment Information.. 12

Finding Jobs. 12

Employment Information (cont.)14

Unemployment Insurance. 14

Unemployment Assistance. 15

Benefits. 16

Financial Assistance.. 17

FEMA Registration. 18

Direct Deposit of Assistance Funds into Your Account18

FEMA’s Citizenship/Immigration Requirements. 18

Financial Recovery Information.. 21

Mortgages. 23

Food Information.. 25

Food Assistance. 25

Health and Human Services Information.. 28

Home Cleaning Information.. 32

Debris Removal32

Mold Removal and Safe Debris Removal Tips. 32

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness. 33

Cleaner, Disinfectant, and Pesticide Awareness. 33

Airborne Asbestos and Lead Dust Avoidance. 34

Housing Information.. 35

National Temporary Housing. 35

National Temporary Housing. 36

Insurance Information.. 39

Veteran’s Administration (VA) Insurance. 42

Legal Assistance.. 43

Legal Assistance (cont.)44

Legal Assistance (cont.)45

Replacing Important Records. 46

Replacing Important Records (cont.)47

Replacing Important Records (cont.)48

Reunification Information.. 49

Finding Missing Persons. 49

Reunification Information.. 50

Reuniting families and loved ones and their pets.50

Finding Missing Pets. 50

Student Resources Information.. 51

Veterans Affairs. 51

·      Information for veterans receiving Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits. 51

Student Resources Information (cont.)52

Tax Information.. 54

Federal Personal Casualty or Theft Loss Deductions (Hurricane Katrina Only)54

Federal Deadlines for Taxpayers Affected by Hurricane Katrina. 55

Tax Relief by Location. 56

Transportation Information.. 58

For Evacuees with Medical Needs. 59

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Medical Travel Center59

Evacuees housed in a shelter, hotel or private home. 59

A Brief Description of Discharge Planners. 60

III. Appendices. 62

Appendix A: Common Myths About Federal Disaster Assistance.. 62

1. The Federal government has total responsibility for disaster recovery. 62

2. The objective of Federal disaster assistance is to “fix everything”. 62

3. Everyone in the disaster area is eligible to receive Federal disaster assistance. 62

4. When Federal agency representatives arrive, they will immediately distribute money to disaster survivors  62

5. Money received for Federal disaster assistance can be used as the recipient thinks best62

6. Federal aid replaces the need for insurance. 63

SUMMARY.. 63

Appendix B: Disaster Recovery Centers and SBA Locations. 64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.                Overview

 

Purpose

 

The purpose of this Assistance Guide is to connect Hurricane survivors with disaster aid. It was created in response to the diverse needs of the evacuee community and provides survivor assistance information. This Guide is designed to inform everyone in need, and those who serve them, on available relief and how to best access that relief.

 

The Guide lists information on many programs and agencies. Updates and verification are on-going. We will provide additional information on assistance, services, and programs with each edition. This Guide belongs to you, not to its editors.

 

The Guide is arranged in sections based on needs and the types of services provided. Within each section is a table arranged to show help available nationally and for selected states. Each program’s information includes what they can do for you and how you can contact them.

 

The Recovery Process (Sequence of Delivery)

Voluntary Agencies

The first thing you must do is reach out to local Voluntary Agencies, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.  These organizations may be able to take care of your immediate needs, such as housing in shelters or clothing. 

 

Insurance

Next, you need to contact your personal insurance agency and file a claim.  If you do not have insurance, or the amount of your insurance award does not cover your needs, you will then need to contact FEMA and register for assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (1‑800‑621-3362), 1-800-462-7585 (TTY)or online at www.fema.gov

 

FEMA Housing Assistance

After registering with FEMA, they can financially assist you with temporary housing, with repairs to your previous home, or with purchasing a new residence if your old one cannot be made livable again.  The types of temporary housing in which you may be placed in are hotels/motels, apartments, mobile homes, and travel trailers. 

 

FEMA/State Other Needs Assistance (ONA) – Non-SBA Dependent

After you register with FEMA, they will also refer you to the FEMA/State ONA program.  This covers medical, dental, funeral, and other disaster created expenses.

 


Small Business Administration (SBA) Income Evaluation (Repayment Capability)

You will now submit an SBA loan application.  From this point on, there are two paths your aid can take.  If you are approved, you will receive an SBA Referral and a loan to help meet your remaining housing needs. 

 

If you do not qualify for an SBA loan, you will receive FEMA/State ONA Assistance which will cover personal property, transportation, group flood policy, and moving and storage.  In order to receive FEMA/State ONA you must have applied for, and been denied, an SBA loan.

 

Unmet Needs – Voluntary Agencies

We have now gone through all the federal aid available.  If you arrive at this point and still have needs the federal process has not been able to address, please contact your local voluntary agencies.

 


How to Use/Access the Internet

This guide provides internet addresses as well as phone numbers to find information.  Using the internet can often be a quicker and more hassle-free way to obtain the assistance you need.    This section will cover basic Internet use and where to locate Internet access

 

Basic Internet Use:

Website Address:

 

Links:

 

Navigation Icon:

 

Where to locate Internet access:


II. Disaster Assistance

 

Consumer Protection Information

Who to contact if you suspect you are a victim of fraud.

 

Consumer Protection Resources

Organization

Phone Number and Website

National

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

·    Hotline is available from 9 am to 8 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday

·    If you believe you are the victim of Identity Theft, contact the FTC as well as the three credit unions and your credit card issuer

1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338)

(1-877-438-4338)

http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Equifax

·    If you believe you’ve been the victim of Identity Theft, call to place a Fraud Alert on your file

1-888-766-0008

www.equifax.com

Experian

·      Hotline is available from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday

·      Priority assistance for hurricane victims

·    If you believe you’ve been the victim of Identity Theft, call to place a Fraud Alert on your file

·    Free copies of you credit file

1-888-397-3742

www.experian.com

Transunion

·    If you believe you’ve been the victim of Identity Theft, call to place a Fraud Alert on your file

1-800-680-7289

www.transunion.com

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

·    Report information or complaints of public corruption and/or government fraud relative to Hurricane Katrina

·    Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)

Department of Energy

·    Hotline available 7 am to 12 pm EST, Monday through Friday.

·    Call the Gas Price Watch hotline if you suspect gas price gouging and/or price fixing

1-800-244-3301

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

·    Provides information and links to additional flood insurance information.  Additionally, the NFIP has a special website for customers:

http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/index.jsp

http://www.fema.gov/nfip/

Alabama

Alabama Attorney General

·    Hotline available 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday

·    Contact the Attorney General’s office to report price gouging and price fixing

1-800-392-5658

www.ago.state.al.us/


 

Consumer Protection Resources

Organization

Phone Number and Website

Arkansas

Arkansas Attorney General

·    Contact the Attorney General’s office to report price gouging and price fixing

http://www.ag.state.ar.us/

California

California Department of Consumer Affairs

·      File a complaint

·      Consumer protection and price gauging reporting

 

Toll free hotline: 1- 800- 952-5210
Tel: (916) 445-1254

http://www.dca.ca.gov/

 

Florida

Florida Attorney General

·      Hotline available 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday

·      Medical fraud control

·      Consumer protection and price gauging reporting

·      Identity theft reporting

·      Consumer fraud alerts

·      You may also visit their offices at: The Capitol PL-01Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050

Attorney General’s Office Fraud Hotline:                  1-866-966-7229 (in state)                                              1-850-414-3990              http://myfloridalegal.com/consumer

 

Georgia

Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs

http://www.georgia.gov

Then, click on:

1.    Legal, Public, Consumer Affairs

2.    Consumer Protection

3.    Consumer Complaints

Louisiana

Louisiana Attorney General

·    Contact the Attorney General’s office to report price gouging and price fixing

http://www.ag.state.la.us/Complaint.aspx

Louisiana Department of Insurance

·    Hotline available 7 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday and 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday.

·    Contact if you are not satisfied with the service (subject to Louisiana law) that you received from your insurance company.

·    Lodge a complaint against your insurance company

·    Help locating an insurance company

·    Mail completed forms, as well as copies of supporting materials, to: Louisiana Department of Insurance, Property and Casualty Consumer Complaints, PO Box 94214, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804

For forms:

1-800-259-5301 (in state)

1-225-342-1258 (out of state)

http://www.ldi.la.gov

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Protection Resources

Organization

Phone Number and Website

Mississippi

Mississippi Attorney General

·    Hotline available 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday

·    Contact the Attorney General’s office to report price gouging and price fixing

Jackson: 1-800-281-4418

Gulfport: 1-228-324-0114

Gulfport: 1-228-518-1326

http://www.ago.state.ms.us/divisions/consumer/

Mississippi Insurance Department

·    Hotline available 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday

·    Contact if you are not satisfied with the service (subject to Mississippi law) that you received from your insurance company.

·    Mail completed forms, as well as copies of supporting materials, to: Mississippi Insurance Department, Consumer Services Division, PO Box 79, Jackson, MS 39205.

·    You may also visit their offices in the Woolfolk State Office Building, located at 501 North West Street, 10th floor, Jackson, Mississippi

For forms:

1-800-562-2957 (in state)

1-601-359-2453 (out of state)

http://www.doi.state.ms.us/

Nevada

 

 

Bureau of Consumer Protection

Las Vegas: 702-486-3194

Carson City: 775-684-1180

Nevada Attorney General

·    Hotline available 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday

·    Consumer Protection

·    Fraud protection services

·    You may also visit their offices at:

Reno: 5420 Kietzke Lane Suite 202, Reno, Nevada 89511

Las Vegas: 555 E. Washington Ave Suite 3900, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101

Reno Office: 775-688-1800

Las Vegas Office: 702-486-7355

For referral: 1-800-266-8688

http://ag.state.nv.us/

 

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Attorney General

·    Contact the Attorney General’s office to report price gouging and price fixing

1-405-521-2029

http://www.oag.state.ok.us/oagweb.nsf/

Then, click on: Consumer Protection

Tennessee

Tennessee Attorney General’s Consumer Affairs Hotline

·    Contact the Attorney General’s office to report price gouging and price fixing

1-800-342-8385

http://www.attorneygeneral.state.tn.us/

Texas

Texas Attorney General

·    Contact the Attorney General’s office to report price gouging and price fixing

http://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/consumer.shtml

Texas Department of Insurance

·    Contact if you are not satisfied with the service (subject to Texas law) that you received from your insurance company

·    Mail completed forms, as well as copies of supporting materials, to: Texas Department of Insurance, Consumer Protection Program (111-1A), PO Box 149091, Austin, TX 78714-9091

·    You can also fax the information to: 1-512-475-1771

For forms:

1-800-599-SHOP (1-800-599-7467) [in state]

1-512-305-7211 (out of state)

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/cpportal.html

Utah

Utah Division of Consumer Protection

·    Hotline available from 8 am to 5 pm, MST

·    Child protection

·    Consumer complaint forms.

 

Toll free: 1-800-721-7233

http://www.commerce.utah.gov/dcp/

 

 

 

 


Employment Information

 

Finding Jobs

Finding Jobs

Organization

Phone Number and Website

National

Recovery Job Connection

·   Hotline available 8 m to 8 pm, Monday through Friday

·   Perform a job search by job category and worker location.

·   Specific help for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita victims

1-877-US2JOBS (1-877-872-5627)

1-877-889-5627 (TTY)

www.jobsearch.org/hurricanejobs

Employment and Training Administration (ETA)

·   Unemployment assistance

·   File claims using links to state sites

www.ows.doleta.gov/map.asp

Job Corps

·    Hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

·    Train for a career or earn your high school diploma or GED at no cost

·    A Department of Labor service for U.S. or legal residents ages 15-24

1-800-733-5627

http://jobcorps.doleta.gov/

 

Online Employment Job Search through Monster.com

·    Job-finding services for hurricane survivors, including alerts for job fairs

http://hurricanerelief.monster.com

Online job resources for  hurricane victims

http://www.katrina.jobs/

 

Alabama

Alabama Job Link

·    Conduct a job search 

·    Build an on-line resume

·    Register with Job Service

·    Receive emails on new job openings

https://joblink.alabama.gov/ada/

 

Arkansas

Arkansas Workforce Centers

·   Dislocated workers can get help finding new jobs

www.arworks.org/local.html

Arkansas JobLink

·   Conduct a job search

·   Build an on-line resume

·   Register with Job Service

·   Receive emails on new job openings

www.arjoblink.arkansas.gov/ada/default.cfm

Arkansas Job Bank

·   Search for jobs nationwide

·   Create a resume/cover letter

www.ajb.org/ar

 

 

 

 

 

Finding Jobs

Organization

Phone Number and Website

California

California Employment Development Department

·   Hotline available 8 am to 5 pm, PST

·   Search for jobs

·   Find a local One-Stop career center

 

916-654-9029

http://www.edd.ca.gov/eddkatrina.htm

Florida

Florida Job Bank

·   Search for jobs by region

·   Find a job by visiting a Florida One-Stop-Center near you.

http://www.floridajobs.org/onestop/onestopdir/index.htm 

http://www.employflorida.com/

 

Georgia

Georgia Department of Labor

·   Hotline available from 8 am to 4:30 CST

·   Search database for jobs

·   How to apply for unemployment

·   Resume building

·   Interviewing workshops

1-404-656-6000

www.dol.state.ga.us/js/

Louisiana

Louisiana Works Department of Labor

·   Hotline available from 8 am to 4:30 pm CST

·   Search for jobs in Louisiana over the phone or online

1-866-310-1585

http://www.ldol.state.la.us/QM_HurricaneDisasterInfo.asp

Find your New Orleans Employer/ Employee

·   Find directions from your employer on what to do after the hurricane

www.findyourneworleansemployer.com/

Mississippi

Mississippi Department for Employment Security

·   Information for job seekers and unemployment

http://mdes.ms.gov/

Nevada

Nevada Job Connect

·   Search for jobs in Nevada

·   Post your resume online to been seen by employers that are currently hiring

 

http://www.nevadajobconnect.com/

 

 

Hurricane Recovery Job Connection

·   Search for jobs in Nevada

·   Post your resume online to been seen by employers that are currently hiring

http://www.jobsearch.org/hurricanejobs

 

Texas

Texas Work Force Commission

·   Evacuees from Louisiana, or any other affected state, currently residing in Texas and seeking employment in their home towns, can visit a Texas Work Force Center

·   Job Counselors are available to provide assistance

http://www.twc.state.tx.us

 

http://twc.state.tx.us/dirs/wdas/wdamap.html

Employment Information (cont.)

 

Unemployment Insurance

Organization

Phone Number and Website

Utah

Search jobs through the Utah State Government website for available jobs in the state

http://careers.utah.gov/careers/

 

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment Insurance provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

Unemployment Insurance

Organization

Phone Number and Website

National

U.S. Department of Labor

·   National number to call about unemployment assistance and insurance

·   Links to state sites for unemployment assistance and insurance help for hurricanes Katrina and Rita

1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365)

Employment Hotline: 1-866-310-1585

 

www.dol.gov/opa/hurricane-recovery.htm

State Unemployment Insurance Information

·   Links to state websites for insurance information

http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/map.asp

Alabama

File an Unemployment Insurance Claim with Alabama

1-866-234-5382

Arkansas

Arkansas Employment Security Department

·    Find out how to apply for unemployment benefits through the state.

http://www.arkansas.gov/esd/WorkersUnempBenefits/AESD_workerunempben.htm

 

Arkansas Employment Security Department

·    Information on the state’s disaster unemployment assistance. 

·    Those who may not qualify for other unemployment insurance, may qualify for disaster assistance under this program

http://www.arkansas.gov/esd/WorkersUnempBenefits/A_uidua.htm

 

California

California Employment Development Department

·   Unemployment/disaster unemployment insurance in formation

http://www.edd.ca.gov/eddkatrina.htm

Florida

File Unemployment Insurance Claim with Florida

1-866-FLA-2345 (1-866-352-2345)

Agency Workforce Innovation

·   Aids in employer-employee dispute resolution

1-866-FLA-2345 (1-866-352-2345)

http://www.floridajobs.org/

 

 

Unemployment Insurance

Organization

Phone Number and Website

Georgia

Georgia Department of Labor

·   Learn about unemployment benefits and claim weekly unemployment benefits

http://www.dol.state.ga.us/

 

Louisiana

File Unemployment Insurance or Unemployment Disaster Assistance Claim with the Department of Labor

1-800-430-8076

1-800-818-7811

Call this number if you have already filed a claim and

·    Were previously receiving benefits,

·    Have questions, or

·    Need to change your address

1-866-783-5567

Mississippi

File Unemployment Insurance Claim with Mississippi

1-888-844-3577

Nevada

File Unemployment Insurance Claim with Nevada

http://detr.state.nv.us/uiben/uiben_uiben.htm

http://www.nvdetr.org/

 

Texas

Texas Workforce

·   Apply for unemployment insurance online

www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/uiclaim.html

 

Unemployment Assistance

If ineligible for Unemployment Insurance, Unemployment Assistance may be still available.   

 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to unemployed individuals beginning after the date the major disaster began and for up to 26 weeks after the major disaster was declared by the President, as long as their unemployment continues to be a result of the major disaster. Before an individual can be determined eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, it must be established that the individual is not eligible for

 

regular unemployment insurance benefits (under any state or federal law). The program is administered by states as agents of the federal government.  Visit www.doleta.gov/katrina/lnkdetails.cfm?lnkid=4 to learn if you are eligible for Unemployment Assistance.

 

Unemployment Assistance

Organization

Phone Number and Website

FEMA Workers and Business Assistance

Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance in

·   Alabama

 

·   Louisiana

 

·   Mississippi

 

 

1-866-234-5382

1-800-499-2035 (TTY)

1-800-818-7811

1-800-430-8076

1-888-844-3577

FEMA Workers and Business Assistance

·   Search the website for employment

http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/katrinaworkers.shtm

 

U.S. Department of Labor

·   National number to call about unemployment assistance and insurance

·   Links to state sites for unemployment assistance and insurance help

1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365)

www.dol.gov/opa/hurricane-recovery.htm

 

Benefits

The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) protects non governmental employees’ benefits, such as those for retirement and health care.

 

EBSA has extended the deadline for filing Form 5500 and Form 5500 EZ annual report/returns for employee benefit plans affected by Hurricane Katrina to

January 3, 2006.  For state-specific information on the extension, visit:

·        http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/ebsa/EBSA20051848.htm


Financial Assistance

How to locate temporary funding and information on how to access your personal financial data after a disaster.

 

Financial Assistance

Organization

Phone Number and Website

American Red Cross (ARC)

·   For information specific to Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, or Mississippi, call the toll-free 1‑866 hotline.  The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

·   For states other than those listed above, call the 1-800 toll-free 24-hour Financial Assistance Center

·   The ARC has caseworkers who will verify your damage.  When you call, please have paper and a pencil or pen to take down any information and be prepared to provide your pre-disaster address, including zip code, and telephone number.

·   Please note that there will be times when the areas FEMA declares and those for which ARC provides assistance may not always match.

1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636)

1-800-975-7585

www.redcross.org

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

·   FEMA provides financial assistance to help with expenses that cannot be covered otherwise.

·   FEMA may be able to provide monetary assistance for: temporary housing; home repairs; replacement of some household items; medical, dental, funeral, and transportation costs; and certain other needs

·   May include cash grants of up to $26,200 per individual or household; all needs will be addressed after your personal insurance has run out. 

·   May need to apply with (and be denied for) Small Business Administration and/or a claim with your insurance company before FEMA can provide financial assistance. 

1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362)

http://www.fema.gov/register.shtm

Project Restore Hope

·   Help with obtaining lost or destroyed personal and financial documents,

·   Assistance deferring mortgage payments

·   Emergency budget guidance

·   Emergency credit management

·   Assistance working with creditors

·   Insurance claims assistance

·   Help preparing the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit and its companion document, the Personal Disaster Preparedness Guide

 

Hot line: 1-888-388-4673 

http://operationhope.org/

 

 

Small Business Administration (SBA)

·   Hotline is available 6am thru 11pm EST, daily

·   The SBA provides disaster loans for householders for Real Property (up to $200,000) and Personal Property (up to $40,000)

1-800-659-2955

www.sba.gov/disaster_recov

www.sba.gov/disaster_recov/katrinafactsheets.html

Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

·   Information about accessing your bank accounts, lost records, ATM cards, direct deposits or how to reach your bank

1-877-3342 1-877-ASKFDIC (275-3342)

www.fdic.gov/hurricane/

 

FEMA Registration

To register with FEMA, you must provide the following information related to the person filing the claim:

1)      Social Security Number

2)      Amount of household income

3)      Address at the time of the hurricane

4)      Contact information (Current Phone Numbers, Current Address, etc.)

5)      Types of damage that are being claimed

6)      Address of damaged property (if filing claim for property)

7)      Ages of other people living with them at previous address

 

Direct Deposit of Assistance Funds into Your Account

FEMA can deposit your claim check directly into your bank account, which eliminates the need for mailing you a check.  It may take 48 hours for the direct deposit process to take effect, but once in place, this will give you almost immediate access to assistance funds.  If you would like to change your claim to an electronic funds transfer, or EFT, call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362).  Have the following pieces of information available:

1)      Your FEMA registration number

2)      Your Social Security number

3)      The following bank account information, for the bank that you would like the funds transferred into:

·        Your bank’s routing number, which can be found in the bottom, left-hand corner of your check/deposit slip

·        Your bank account number, which is the middle series of numbers located at the bottom of your check/deposit slip

 

If your bank account is not local, then you may choose to open an account where you are now living and have the funds transferred to this new account.  This process can be much quicker than waiting for a mailed claim check.

 

FEMA’s Citizenship/Immigration Requirements

  1. You must be a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National, or a Qualified Alien in order to be eligible for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program and Disaster Unemployment cash assistance programs
  2. A Qualified Alien includes anyone with legal permanent residence (i.e., green card).
  3. You will be asked to sign a Declaration and Release, FEMA Form 90-69B, acknowledging that you are a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National, or a Qualified Alien.
  4. If you cannot sign the Declaration and Release, another adult household member who is eligible can sign it and no information regarding your status will be gathered.
  5. If you cannot sign the Declaration and Release but you have minor child who is a U.S. Citizen or a Qualified Alien residing with you, you can apply for assistance on your child’s behalf and no information regarding your status will be gathered. However, you will be asked to sign a declaration that your child is a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National, or a Qualified Alien.
  6. You do not have to be a U.S. Citizen or a Qualified Alien in order to qualify for Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, or other short-term, non-cash emergency assistance.

 

Undocumented immigrants may be eligible for disaster-related assistance under many different programs run by state and local agencies and voluntary agencies for various types of cash assistance.  Undocumented immigrants may be eligible for short-term, non‑cash, emergency aid from FEMA. However, you will not be personally eligible for FEMA cash assistance programs (Individuals and Households Program Assistance). You may apply on behalf of your U.S. Citizen child, or another adult household member may qualify the household for assistance.

 

To receive money or help for Housing Needs that are the result of a disaster, all of the following must be true:

 

You may not be eligible for “Housing Needs” assistance if:


Financial Recovery Information

Locating copies of your financial records.

 

Financial Recovery

 

Organization/ Department

Phone Number and Website

National

Financial Planning Association (FPA)

·   Free planning services to people in need.

·   Services for qualified survivors may include: educational brochures, Information sheets, seminars and workshops, and one-on-one consultations

·   Hotline is available Monday-Friday 7 am – 4:30pm MST

1-800-282-PLAN (1-800-282-7526)

Email: fpaprobono@fpanet.org

Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS):  

·   Contacting Savings Institutions

·   Hotline is available 8 am – 5:30 pm CST

1-800-958-0655

www.ots.treas.gov

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

·   Instruction on how to obtain copies of old tax returns

·   Links to frequently asked tax questions

1-800-829-3676

http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq-kw31.html

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC):

·   Call with questions about your national bank.

·   National bank: one that has the word “national” or “NA” or “national association” as part of its legal name

·   Hotline is available: Monday-Thursday 9 am – 4 pm, Friday 9 am – 3 pm CDT

1-800-613-6743

www.occ.treas.gov

Email: customer.assistance@occ.treas.gov

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC):

·   Consumer hotline; open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

·   Provides the status of institutions in affected areas

·   Answers questions about banks, including information on how to replace ID and/or ATM card

·   Gives which banks are open and services that are available

1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342)

www.fdic.gov/news/katrina/index.html

www.fdic.gov/hurricane/index.html

Social Security Administration:

·   Ensures beneficiaries receive their monthly payments, and applications for benefits continue to be processed

www.socialsecurity.gov/emergency/

1-800-772-1213

TTY 1-800-325-0778

National Credit Union Administration:

·   Information for Credit Union Members

 

1-800-827-6282

·   Item 2; then: 1 for Louisiana/Texas, 2 for Arkansas/ Mississippi These options aren’t valid.  You can press 1 and then 0 if you don’t know the name of the person you are trying to reach. 

www.ncua.gov/Katrina/index.htm

Alabama:KatrinaAL@NCUA.GOV

Louisiana:  KatrinaLA@NCUA.GOV

Mississippi:KatrinaMS@NCUA.GOV

 

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM):

·   Provides information for current/retired Federal employees and annuitants

1-800-307-8298

www.opm.gov/katrina/

www.opm.gov/katrina/benefits.asp

Alabama

State of Alabama Banking Department

·   Contacting your bank in Alabama

·   P.O. Box 4600
Montgomery, AL 36103-4600

1-334-242-3452 (Montgomery)

www.bank.state.al.us

Arkansas

Arkansas State Bank Department

·   400 Hardin Rd., Suite 100
Little Rock, AK 72211

 

http://www.state.ar.us/bank/banking1.html

for more information, click in the “Kare” link in the top left-hand corner

by phone: (501) 324-9019 , by fax: (501) 324-9028

California

California Department of Financial Institutions

·   111 Pine St., Suite 1100
San Francisco, CA 94111-5613

 

Toll free: 1-800-622-0620
www.dfi.ca.gov

Florida

Florida Department of Financial Services

·    200 East Gaines St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0300

Toll free in Florida: 1-800-342-2762
TDD: 850-410-9700
http://www.fldfs.com/

 

Georgia

Georgia Department of Banking and Finance

·    Department of Banking and Finance (Delete this you already named the institution before the bullet)
2990 Brandywine Rd., Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30341-5565

Toll free in Georgia 1-888 986-1633
www.gadbf.org

Louisiana

Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions

·   Contacting your bank in Louisiana

 

1-225-925-4660 (Baton Rouge, only) not Baton Rouge, only, it is LA only (In-State)

1-888-525-9414 (In-State) Not In-State-It is a toll free # (Nationwide)

1-866-783-5530 (Nationwide)

www.ofi.louisiana.gov

Louisiana Credit Union Finder:

·   Contacting your credit union in Louisiana

·   Search for Credit Union by state and region

·   Post Office Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA  70804-9095

1-504-838-8250 (In-State)

1-800-421-7030 (Toll-Free)

www.cuweb.org/cu_finder.htm

 

Mississippi

Mississippi Department of Banking

·   Contacting your bank in Mississippi

·   501 N. West Street
901 Woolfolk Building Suite A
P.O. Box 23729
Jackson, MS 39225-3729

 

1-601-359-1031 (Jackson)

1-800-844-2499 (Nationwide)

www.dbcf.state.ms.us

Nevada

Nevada Division of Financial Institutions

·   2501 E. Sahara Ave, #300
Las Vegas, NV 89704

Tel: 702-486-4120
www.fid.state.nv.us

Texas

Texas Department of Banking

·    2601 North Lamar
Austin, TX 78705

Tel: 512-475-1300
Toll free in Texas: 1-877-276-5554
www.banking.state.tx.us

 

Utah

Utah Department of Financial Institutions

·   324 South State St., Suite 201

Salt Lake City, Utah 84111

Tel: 801-538-8830
www.dfi.utah.gov

 

Mortgages

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and its members advise survivors to contact their mortgage company directly as soon as possible. Your mortgage banker should be able to tell you about special offers; for example:

Mortgage bankers will re-evaluate their policies periodically; stay aware of changing terms. Most lenders have toll-free phone numbers for consumers to call. A list of top mortgage service providers in the affected areas are below.

 

Mortgage Bankers

Organization

Phone Number

ABN AMRO

1-800-783-8900

Aurora Loan Services

1-800-550-0508

1-800-723-6578 (Insurance Claims)

Bank of America

1-800-831-5586

Chase Home Finance

1-800-848-9136

Chevy Chase Bank, FSB

1-800-933-9100

CitiMortgage

1-800-283-7918

1-800-442-8774 (Insurance Claims)

Colonial Savings, F.A.

1-800-937-6002

Countrywide Home Loans

1-800-669-6607

EMC Mortgage

1-800-723-3004

EverHome Mortgage

1-800-669-9721

Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation

1-800-441-4428

First Horizon National Corporation

1-800-364-7662

1-866-497-0530 (Insurance Processing/Loss Draft)

GMAC Mortgage

1-800-766-4622

IndyMac Bank

1-800-781-7399

1-888-680-6808 (Insurance Processing/Loss Draft)

Irwin Mortgage Corporation

1-800-284-4462

1-800-434-2955 (Loss Draft)

Midland Mortgage Co.

1-800-654-4566

 

Mortgage America

1-800-448-4059

 

National City Mortgage Co.

1-800-822-5626

 

New South Federal Savings Bank

1-800-504-7110

 

New Century Financial Corporation

1-800-967-7623

1-888-477-0193 (Loss Mitigation)

 

Option One Mortgage

1-800-648-9605

 

PHH Mortgage (formerly Cendant Mortgage)

1-888-882-1855

 

Regions Mortgage

1-800-986-2462

 

SunTrust

1-800-634-7928

 

Washington Mutual

1-800-472-1254

1-866-926-8937 (Home Mortgages)

 

Wells Fargo

1-888-818-9147 (Home Mortgage)

 

Wilshire Credit Corporation

1-888-952-7311

 

Litton Loan Servicing LP

1-800-247-9727

M&T Mortgage Corporation

1-800-724-2224

1-800-724-1633 (Mortgage Counselors)

1-888-882-1858 (Loss Drafts)

 

 

 

 


Food Information

Locate food assistance, including food stamps, for those affected by the hurricane.

 

The Food and Nutrition Service is an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that oversees two major disaster assistance programs, food coupons and food commodities. Assistance in purchasing food is available through the Disaster Food Stamp Program.  Once approved by the Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA, state and/or local social services agencies provide disaster food stamps to eligible households, who apply through the local social services office.

 

Food Assistance

Food Assistance

 

Organization

Phone Number and Website

Address

National

Salvation Army

·   Provides feeding units for evacuees

1-888-363-2769

www.salvationarmyusa.org

615 Slaters Lane

P.O. Box 269

Alexandria, VA

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

·   Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

1-703-305-2746

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/default.htm 

3101 Park Center Dr.

Alexandria, VA

22302

USDA Food Safety Hotline

·   Information on food safety

1-888-674-6854

 

Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture

·    Information about disaster emergency Food Stamp Program

·   Enables low-income families to buy nutritious food with coupons and electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards

·   Spanish assistance is available

1-800-221-5689

1-703-305-2041

www.fns.usda.gov

 

 

Rm. 900

3101 Park Center Dr.

Alexandria, VA

22302

Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)

·    General information about the federal nutrition program

http://www.frac.org/

1-202-986-2200

 

1875 Conn. Ave NW

Suite 540

Washington, DC

20009

Alabama

Department of Human Resources, Food Stamp Program

·   Information for  replacement of EBT Card and food assistance

·   Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday

1-866-465-2285

www.dhr.state.al.us

 

Alabama

WIC (Women, Children, and Infants)

·   Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

1-800-654-1385

1-334-206-5673

http://www.adph.org/wic/

Alabama Dept. of Public Health

Bureau of Family Health Services

RSA Tower, Suite 1300

P.O Box 303017

Montgomery, AL

36130-3017

Bay Area Food Bank

·   Food bank providing food

1-251-653-1617

5248 Mobile St. S., Theodore 36582

Food Bank of North Alabama

·   Food bank providing food

1-256-539-2256

alfoodbanks.org

2000-B Vernon Ave., Huntsville 35804

Food Bank of Northwest Alabama (Subsidiary Distribution Outlet)

·   Food bank providing food

1-256-383-3223

Helen.dorene@aol.com

 615 Geneva Ave., Muscle Shoals 35661

East Alabama Food Bank (Montgomery Area Food Bank/Subsidiary Distribution Outlet)

·   Food bank providing food

1-334-263-3784

montgomeryareafoodbank.org

521 Trade Center St., Montgomery 36108

Selma Area Food Bank (Subsidiary Distribution Outlet)

·    Food bank providing food

1-334-872-4111

497 Oak St., Selma 36702

West Alabama Food Bank ( Subsidiary Distribution Outlet)

·   Food bank providing food

1-205-759-5519

www.westalabamafoodbank.org

1605 23rd Ave., Tuscaloosa 35403

Wiregrass Area United Way Food Bank (Subsidiary Distribution Outlet)

·   Food bank providing food

·   Hours: 7:30am-4pm/M-F

1-334-794-9775

382 Twitchell Rd., Dothan 36303

The United Way Community Food Bank

·   Food bank providing food

1-205-942-8911

www.uwca.org

107 Walter Davis Dr., Birmingham 35209

Arkansas

The Arkansas Food Bank

·    Distributing food to hurricane survivors.

(501) 565-8121

Toll-free 1-877-565-8124

8121 Distribution Drive, Little Rock, AR

California

California Department of Social Services

·    How to apply for food stamps

http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/

http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/foodstamps/

 

 

 

Florida

Apply for Food Stamps, report status changes or get help with a replacement Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

 

1-866-76ACCES (1-866-762-2237)

http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/katrina

 

Louisiana

American Pregnancy Association Service Helpline for Partners for Healthy Babies, Prenatal Care & Medicaid

·   Refers callers to WIC (Women, Children, and Infants)

·   Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

1-800-251-2229

www.1800251baby.org

 

 

Mississippi

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

·   Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

1-601-576-7100

1-800-721-7222

www.msdh.state.ms.us

 

State Dept. of Health

P.O. 1700

Jackson, MS 39215-1700

Nevada

State Food Bank Assistance

1-800-992-0900 (Ext. 40500)
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/outreach/states/nevada.htm

Las Vegas:
4601 E. Cheyenne, Suite 111, Las Vegas, NV 89115

Tel (702) 643-0074
Reno:
Dept of Nutrition, Mailstop 142, University of Nevada, Reno
Tel: (775) 784-6445
Northern Nevada
994 Packer Way
Sparks, NV 89431-6441
Tel: 775-331-3663

Texas

WIC (Women, Children, and Infants)

·   Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

1-800-942-3678

www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/default.shtm

TX Dept. of State Health Services

1100 West 49th St.

Austin, TX 78756-3199

Utah

Utah Department of Food and Nutrition

State information hotline: 1-866-526-3663 

http://jobs.utah.gov/services/

 

 

 

 

Health and Human Services Information

Resources for guidance on health and safety concerns.

 

Health Information

 

Organization

Phone Number and Website

National

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

·   Information on mental health resources

·   Information on health and safety information

1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/

Department of Health & Human Services

·   Information on assistance for Katrina Survivors with Disabilities or Special Needs

AL- 1-800-846-3697

LA- 1-888-524-3578

http://www.hhs.gov/katrina/survivors.html#other.

 

The National Mental Health Information

·   Hurricane and other disaster relief Information

1-800-273-8255 (Toll Free)

1-800-799-4889 (TTY)

http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/katrina/
 

Helping Children Cope with Disaster

·   Information on helping children cope with disasters

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_602_,00.html
 

Headstart Childcare Services

·   Offers programs for children up to 5 years of age, including meals, family support and health services.

http://www2.acf.dhhs.gov/index.html

 

Katrinahealth.org

·   Online service providing information to help you gain access to your electronic prescription medication records.

www.katrinahealth.org

 

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-8255

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

United Healthcare Hurricane Support Line

1-866-615-8700

Alabama

Alabama

·   Information on the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation

1-800-367-0955

www.mh.state.al.us/.

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

·   Hotline for hurricane survivors with disabilities or people with life threatening conditions

1-800-846-3697 this # will no longer be valid as of 11/30

New # is 1-800-441-7607

 www.rehab.state.al.us

Arkansas

Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services

·   Family services

·   Juevenile and senior services

·   Disabled persons support

Toll Free: 1-800-235-0002

DHS Operator:1-800-462-0599; this is the new DHS operator #, both numbers will work but the new one is better.

http://www.arkansas.gov/dhhs/homepage.html

 

California

California Department of Social Services

·   Family services

·   Juevenile and senior services

·   Disabled persons support

·   Medicare and health services information

·   Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm

 

General Information: (916) 651-8848

http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/FindServic_716.htm

 

Florida

Florida Department of Health

·   Listings of local offices and their phone numbers

·   Women and Children services

·   Disabled persons services

 

Tel: (850) 245-4444

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/family/katrina_recovery/index.html

 

Georgia

·   Information on the Georgia Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Disease

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

http://mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-MHDDAD/

Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA

·         Information resources for Baton Rouge area only for any type of crisis. 

1-225-924-3900

1-877-923-2114-called the 211 line (United Way line, this is a better # to call depending on the crisis the caller will be referred to the appropriate counselor.)

Louisiana Information Resource

·   Information for people with development disabilities (the lady asked that we clarify that this # is not for just any disabled person it is  to help people w/ mental retardation.) and their families who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina

1-866-783-5553

http://www.katrina-la.net/

Mississippi

Mississippi

·   Information on the Mississippi Department of Mental Health

1-601-359-1288

1-601-359-6230 (TDD)

http://www.dmh.state.ms.us/

Nevada

Nevada Department of Health and Human Services

·   Public Defender’s Office

·   Women and Children services

·   Disabled persons services

·   Health care financing and policy

·   Disability services

·   Mental health services

 

Tel.: 1-775-684 – 4000

http://www.hr.state.nv.us/

 

New York

New York State

·   New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) offers services for disabled and mentally ill evacuees

Phone: 1-212-244-4664

TDD: 1-212-244-4644

Fax: 1-212-244-4570

www.nylpi.org

New York City, NY

·   New York City Social Service Agencies – offering case managers for hurricane evacuees.  9-6, M-F.

1-888-744-7900

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

·   Information on the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

1-800-522-9054

http://www.odmhsas.org/

Texas

Texas

·   Advocacy Inc. offers advocacy services for persons with mental or physical disabilities in Texas.

1-800-252-9108

http://www.advocacyinc.org

Houston, TX

·   Mobile Barber Shops – Services Free of Charge.

 

The salons will be available from December 14, 2005 through December 20, 2005 in Houston, TX at the Houston DRC.

The Houston DRC is located at:

Greater Houston Area DRC

6059 South Loop East

Houston, TX 77087

Hours: 8:00AM to 7:00PM

Utah

Utah Department of Health

·   Evacuee services

·   Health care information

 

Tel: (801) 538- 6101

http://health.utah.gov

 


Home Cleaning Information

Cleaning and safety tips for making hurricane damaged homes livable again.

 

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) officials are not currently recommending any special immunizations for those evacuees who choose to return and clean their damaged homes. However, anyone who sustains a cut while cleaning and has not had a tetanus shot within the last five years should obtain one.

 

Debris Removal

 

Debris removal is being addressed at the County and Parish level. In most cases, you must file a Right of Entry form with your county or parish before debris can be removed in your absence. Please contact your home county or parish for additional information, including the Right of Entry Form and proper disposal procedures. Additionally, many counties require residents to separate debris into piles of household items, wood and construction-type items, and appliances, and then place those piles at the curb.

 

Note: If you reside in an area affected by the Formosan termite, you must keep all wood products separate from other construction-type debris so that it can be treated prior to disposal. Affected areas are under a quarantine in order to contain these termites and prevent them from affecting other areas.

 

Louisiana Parish Websites:

 

To contact the Louisiana Homeland Security Debris Hotline, please call 1‑866‑617‑1780 or visit online at http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/.

 

Mold Removal and Safe Debris Removal Tips

·        Many houses will experience mold growth after flooding. Call 1-888-293-7020 or visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/ for guidelines issued by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the safe and effective cleanup of household mold.

·        While cleaning mold, anyone allergic to mold may experience a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, skin irritation, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath. People with weakened immune systems and chronic lung diseases may develop mold infections in their lungs. If any health-related problems appear after working around mold, contact a doctor or other health care provider immediately.

·        For maximum protection, wear an N95-designated face mask or National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH)-approved respirator, rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, and a soft hat or hard hat (if there is danger of falling debris or electrical hazards) when working with moldy materials. Be sure to throw away all porous items that were wet because they can remain a source of mold in the future, even if they are not moldy now. Further information on cleaning mold is available by calling 1-888-293-7020 or visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods.  

·        Additional information can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency at 1-800-438-4318 or by visiting http://www.epa.gov/mold – this website provides in depth guides on how homeowners can clean mold from residences and prevent future mold growth.

·        To find a licensed mold clean-up contractor call 1-866-310-7879 rings and rings or visit http://www.lslbc.state.la.us/findcontractor.asp. Keep the following tips in mind when hiring a contractor:

1.      Contact the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) for “Do’s” and “Don’ts” when hiring a contractor.

2.      Check with your insurance agent for referrals.

3.      Get the contractor’s business name and address.

4.      Get in writing the estimated start and completion dates and the total amount to be paid when the work is done.

5.      Never pay more than 10% of the total cost down at the beginning of the job.

 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness

·        Clean-up efforts after returning to homes and businesses can present life-threatening hazards to storm survivors, including leaking natural gas lines and CO poisoning from the use of un-vented fuel-burning equipment.

·        CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuel is burned and can kill when present in high amounts. Symptoms of CO poisoning are feeling sick, dizzy, or weak. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should get fresh air right away.

·        Do not use fuel-burning devices in homes, garages, or other confined spaces or within 10 feet of windows, doors, or other air intakes.

 

Cleaner, Disinfectant, and Pesticide Awareness

·        Mixing some household cleaners together can produce toxic fumes, injury, or death. When working with household chemicals remain in the room no longer than necessary and allow plenty of time for the room to air out.  Read and follow all label instructions carefully.

·        Use fans throughout the cleaning process as long as there is no standing water or any other potential electrical hazard.

·        In case of poisoning/chemical ingestion, call the Poison Control Center at 1‑800‑222-1222 immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless you have been instructed to do so.

 

Airborne Asbestos and Lead Dust Avoidance

Asbestos is a fibrous material used in some pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, exterior siding, roof shingles, sprayed-on soundproofing, and many other materials in older buildings, mostly those built before 1970. Asbestos was used to strengthen products and provide heat insulation and fire resistance. Breathing asbestos can lead to lung cancer; mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity; and asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.

 

Lead is a toxic metal that can produce a variety of adverse health effects, especially in young children. Homes built before 1978 probably have lead in their original paints. Moving materials containing lead-based paint could cause lead dust to concentrate in the air.

·        If you suspect your home contains asbestos or lead-based paint, you are strongly encouraged to use contractors who are specially trained to deal with these substances. Homes can be tested for lead-based paint.

·        If the asbestos is in good condition, it is best to just leave it alone since it probably will not release asbestos fibers into the air.

·        Materials with asbestos or lead-based paint should be handled while still wet or damp and should be double bagged.

·        While handling these materials, gloves, goggles, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA)-approved respiratory protection should be worn.

·        Wash hands and clothing while still wearing the mask after handling or cleaning either of these materials.

·        Do not do anything that generates dust from, or disturbs the surfaces of, areas with lead-based paints because this will cause the lead to enter the air.

·        Families should not live in residences while work is being done to remove either asbestos or lead-based paint.

·        For more information on the safe management of asbestos, visit http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/ashome.html.

·        For more information on the safe management of lead-based paint, visit http://www.epa.gov/oppt/lead.


 Housing Information

Information on different types of temporary housing available.

 

National Temporary Housing

 

Temporary Housing

Organization

Phone Number and Website

National

FEMA Travel Trailers

·    If unable to find other housing, call to apply for a travel trailer or mobile home

1-800-621-3362

1-800-462-7585 (TTY)

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=19865

Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

·   Section 8 voucher holders, public housing residents, and all displaced individuals may call for housing

1-888-297-8685

1-800-955-2232

Katrina Disaster Housing Assistance Program (KDHAP)

·    Call for housing if you were previously in HUD assisted living or previously homeless

1-866-373-9509

DHR Online

National Disaster Housing/Rental Resources

·    Easy to use website that lists immediately available rental properties

www.dhronline.org

www.dhronline.org/chooseState.cfm

Operation: Share Your Home (a Louisiana based project)

·    Search for relief housing offered by private citizens

1-888-827-2525

www.shareyourhome.org

Hurricane Housing

·    Search all housing postings from different organizations throughout the United States.  Includes short and long term listings, as well as special needs housing

www.hurricanehousing.net/

Katrina Housing Information

·    Search for available rooms, houses, and apartments

www.katrinahousing.org

Independent Living Research Utilization

·    For disabled individuals.  Call for housing if relocating to Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana

1-800-949-4232

www.ilru.org/html/whatsnew/announcements/katrina.html#housing

SocialServe.com

·    Search affordable, rental, section 8, handicap accessible, and for sale housing by location and price

1-877-428-8844

1-704-334-8722

www.socialserve.com

USDA Rural Development

·    If displaced from Rural Development-financed apartments, call for Rural Development vacant apartment units in the U.S.

·    Search website for USDA apartments by state

1-800-414-1226

http://rdmfhrentals.sc.egov.usda.gov/RDMFHRentals/select_state.jsp

www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/disasters/katrina.html

Katrina Housing Relief Program

·    Search for housing by location

1-866-822-RENT (1-866-822-7368)

www.rentalhouses.com

Apartments.com

·    Search apartments by states

www.apartments.com/katrinia.htm

 

 

 

Housing Information (cont.)

Information on different types of temporary housing available.

 

National Temporary Housing

 

Temporary Housing

Organization

Phone Number and Website

National

EDEN I & R Inc

·    Search the CHAIN (Community Housing and Information Network) website for housing

·    Hotline is available Monday thru Friday, 10am – 4 pm PST

1-510-537-2552

www.edenir.org/

ACORN

·    HUD-certified, nonprofit housing counseling agency

·    Call or visit website for available housing, as well as mortgage and other counseling services 

National toll-free hotline: 1-866-742-6868

http://www.acornhousing.org/index.php

Disaster Housing Resources state-by-state search to find emergency housing in your area

http://www.dhronline.org/chooseState.cfm

Hurricane Housing Search: A non-profit organization that helps hurricane victims find housing

http://hurricanehousingsearch.com/

Hurricane Relief Housing

·    Search for housing by state

1-360-440-2794

www.housingrelief.us

Welcome Wagon for Katrina Survivors

·    Search for housing by state

http://relief.welcomewagon.com

Renters Paradise

·    Search for housing by state

www.rentersparadise.com

 

247 Apartments

·    Search for housing by state

www.247apartments.com

 

Apartment Information

·    Search for housing by state

www.apartmentsinfo.com

 

CraigsList

·    Search for housing by state

www.craigslist.org

 

Apartments 24-7

·    Search for housing by state

www.apartments24-7.com

 

Apartment World

·    Search for housing by state

www.apartmentworld.com

 

 


 

Housing Information (cont.)

Information on different types of temporary housing available.

State temporary housing

Organization

Phone Number and Website

Alabama

Alabama Emergency Management Agency

·      Recovery information like phone numbers for services (power, roads, local charities, etc.)

www.disaster.ema.alabama.gov/katrina.htm 

Arkansas

Operation Katrina Assistance Relief Effort (KARE)

·      Scroll down webpage for links to information for hurricane relief in Arkansas like enrollment information for schools

http://www.kare.arkansas.gov/kare_evacuee_help.html#7

Housing in the State of Arkansas

http://www.kare.arkansas.gov/kare_evacuee_help.html#6

 

Arkansas Housing and Urban Development

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=ar

California

Department of Housing and Urban Development in California

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=ca

Florida

State of Florida on-line portal to Katrina recovery links

http://eogtmp.sto.fl.gov/katrina_recovery/#houseing

Department of Housing and Urban Development in Florida

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=fl

 

Georgia

Georgia Housing

·      Search for affordable rental housing in Georgia

·      Links to SocialServe.com

http://www.georgiahousingsearch.org/

Georgia Department of Community Affairs

Toll free: (800) 359-4663

http://www.dca.state.ga.us/

 

Department of Housing and Urban Development in Georgia

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=ga

 


 

 

State temporary housing

Organization

Phone Number and Website

Louisiana

Louisiana Housing Council

·     Housing information if a section 8 public housing resident or a voucher holder

1-713-652-2915

1-713-652-2916

1-713-652-2917

www.lanahro.org/

Department of Housing and Urban Development in Louisiana

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=la

 

Louisiana Shelter Information. A website with various housing links for hurricane victims in Louisiana

http://katrina.louisiana.gov/shelters.htm

 

Mississippi

USDA Rural Development

·     If displaced from Rural Development-financed apartments, call for Rural Development vacant apartment units in the U.S.

1-334-279-3400

1-334-279-3495 (TDD/TYY)

Department of Housing and Urban Development in Mississippi

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=ms

 

Nevada

Department of Housing and Urban Development in Nevada

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=nv

 

Texas

Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs

http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/

 

Department of Housing and Urban Development in Texas

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=tx

 

Utah

Department of Housing and Urban Development in Utah

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=ut

 

Housing Information (cont.)

State temporary housing

 

Insurance Information

 

If repairs are required prior to speaking to an adjuster, make only temporary repairs to prevent further property damage and keep all repair receipts for possible reimbursement. Some damaged property should not be discarded until the adjuster has seen it, including wet carpet, ruined appliances, and any other relevant items. If damaged items must be removed, take pictures before and after removal for documentation purposes.

 

Insurance

Organization

Phone Number & Web Address

National

The American Insurance Association

·   Provides a list of insurancecompanies for questions about coverage or access to policies

·   Click on “Hurricane Information”, then click on “Insurance Claim Contact Information”

http://katrinainformation.org/disaster2/find_a_company/

www.aiadc.org/

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

·   Hotline is available from 8am to 8pm EST, Monday – Friday.  Spanish assistance is available

·   File a claim or for program information

·   FloodSmart.gov is a clearinghouse of information on the NFIP

1-800-638-6620

http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/katrinainsurance.shtm

www.floodsmart.gov

·      Click on “NFIP”

For Veterans’ Group Life Insurance

·   The first premium due date, after the hurricane, has been extended for 90 days

1-800-419-1473 (Press “1” in menu options)

http://www.insurance.va.gov/

Loss Claim and Mortgage

·   VA home loan or mortgage payment claim filing information

http://www.homeloans.va.gov

 

 

 

V.A. Insurance Center in Philadelphia

·   Government life insurance information

·   Hotline available from 8:30am to 6pm EST, Monday – Friday

·   Offering same-day loans

1-800-669-8477 (Insurance)

1-800-827-1000 (Regional Offices)

1-888-748-5828 (Fax)

www.insurance.va.gov

VAROIC, PO Box 7327, Philadelphia, PA 19101

Alabama

Alabama Department of Insurance

Tel: (334) 241-4141

http://www.aldoi.org/

e-mail:consumerservices@insurance.alabama.gov

 

Arkansas

Arkansas Department of Insurance

 

1-800 852-5494

1-501-371-2640

http://insurance.arkansas.gov/Administration/KARE.htm

 

 

 

California

California Department of Insurance

1-800-927-4357

1-213-897-8921

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/

 

Florida

Florida Dept. of Financial Services

1-800-22-STORM or 1-800-227-8676 (in state)

TTD: 1-800-640-0886.

1-800-342-2762 (in state)

1-850-413-3100 (FL Dept. of Financial Services)

1-850-413-3111 (Office of Insurance Consumer Advocate)

http://www.fldfs.com/

 

Georgia

Georgia Insurance Commission

http://gic.georgia.gov/

 

Louisiana

Louisiana Department of Insurance

·   Contact if you are not satisfied with the service (subject to Louisiana law) that you received from your insurance company.

·   Mail completed forms, as well as copies of supporting materials, to: Louisiana Department of Insurance, Property and Casualty Consumer Complaints, PO Box 94214, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804

1-800-259-5300

1-225-342-1258 (Auto, home, and property division)

http://www.ldi.la.gov

LA government Hurricane Katrina insurance information

http://katrina.louisiana.gov/insurance.htm

 

Mississippi

Mississippi Insurance Department

·   Contact if you are not satisfied with the service (subject to Mississippi law) that you received from your insurance company.

·   Mail completed forms, as well as copies of supporting materials, to: Mississippi Insurance Department, Consumer Services Division, PO Box 79, Jackson, MS 39205.

·   You may also visit their offices in the Woolfolk State Office Building, located at 501 North West Street, 10th floor, Jackson, MS 39201

1-800-562-2957 (in state)

1-601-359-2453 (out of state)

http://www.doi.state.ms.us/

Nevada

Nevada Division of Insurance

http://www.doi.state.nv.us/

 

Texas

Texas Department of Insurance

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/

 

Utah

Utah Department of Insurance

http://www.insurance.state.ut.us/

 

 


 

Veteran’s Administration (VA) Insurance

When disasters such as floods and hurricanes occur, these areas are often declared “disaster areas.” In such emergencies, Veteran’s Administration Insurance provides expedited and special services to ease the hardships of policyholders affected by a disaster. 

 

Policyholders with permanent plans of insurance may request an expedited policy loan where they may borrow up to 94 percent of the cash surrender value of their insurance.  Similarly, Policyholders with dividend credit or deposit accounts may request a withdrawal from their account. 

 

Requests are processed the day they are received and Direct Deposit of loan proceeds is available.  Loan and withdrawal requests may be made by phone, fax, or US mail, using the contact information listed in the table above. Loan and Withdrawal requests must be signed by the policyholder.

 

When making your request, include the following information:

 

1) Insurance file and policy numbers

2) Mailing address—remember to let the VA know if this is a change of address for your insurance records

3) Amount of the loan or withdrawal requested (you can also request the maximum amount available)

4) Your bank account number, 9-digit transit routing number, and type of account (checking or savings) for direct deposit of the loan or withdrawal proceeds.

 

If you have received a VA-issued personal identification number (PIN) and password, you can make your loan or withdrawal request at the following website: https://insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/SelfService/insmain.asp.  To request a PIN and password, call 1-800-669-8477 or go to the website, above, and select the “PIN Request link”.

 

Policyholders who are concerned that their insurance may lapse due to nonpayment or are having difficulty paying their premium and have not received a premium notice, may request an extension of Premium Payment Grace Period and Reinstatement Deadlines of up to 90 days by using the contact information listed in the table on page 14.

 

You may also visit a Regional Office, where these services are provided in person.


Legal Assistance

Information on lawyers, including those who provide reduced-fee or pro-bono (free) services.

 

Legal Assistance

 

Organization

Phone Number, Web Address or Email

National

American Bar Association (ABA)

·   The Young Lawyers Division of the ABA, through an agreement with FEMA, provides free legal advice for low-income individuals and on

1-800-285-2221

www.abanet.org/katrina/

www.abanet.org/barserv/katrina.htm

Katrina Legal Aid Resource Center

·   Lists organizations that can provide free legal help

·   Information on housing, insurance claims, obtaining vital records, financial aid and health care services

http://www.katrinalegalaid.org/help.cfm 

HUD Housing Discrimination Hotline

·   Report discrimination during the search for post-hurricane housing

·   Obtain information on citizen’s rights

1-800-669-9777

1-800-927-9275 (TTY)

http://www.hud.gov/complaints/housediscrim.cfm

HUD's Office of Inspector General

·   Fraud, waste, or abuse complaints

·   Press ‘9’ on hotline

1-800-347-3735

HOTLINE@hudoig.gov

 

The National Center for Victims of Crime

·   Hotline is available from 8:30am thru 8:30 pm EST

·   Victim’s assistance referrals and Legal/Financial/Counseling/etc.

1-800-FYI CALL (1-800-394-2255)

http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbID=DB_HurricaneKatrinaCrimeVictimAssistance139

Army

http://www.jagc.army.mil/Legal

Marine Corps

http://sja.hqmc.usmc.mil/jal/default.htm

Navy

http://www.jag.navy.mil/html/Code16Home.htm

Air Force

http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/


Legal Assistance (cont.)

Information on lawyers, including those who provide reduced-fee or pro-bono (free) services.

 

Legal Assistance

 

Organization

Phone Number, Web Address or Email

Alabama

Alabama State Bar Association:

·   In order to take advantage of this assistance, you must be a resident of Alabama

·   Ask for Disaster Legal Assistance Line.  You will be referred to someone and contacted within 24-48 hrs

1-800-354-6154

Legal Services Alabama:

·   Dispute with FEMA

1-800-403-4872

1-251-433-6560 (Mobile/Baldwin Counties)

Arkansas

Arkansas Legal Services Partnership

·   Victim and advocate resources

·   Find basic information about your legal rights

·    learn where to go for legal aid and assistance

·   find out about other community resources.

 

http://www.arlegalservices.org/Home/PublicWeb/Home/PublicWeb/Disaster/

1-501-376-3423 (Little Rock Area)

1-479-442-0600 (Fayetteville Area)

 

California

Provides access to basic legal resources and attorney information to disaster victims on a variety of issues

http://www.lawhelpcalifornia.org/CA/index.cfm

Florida

Florida Pro Bono Legal Services

http://www.floridalegal.org/probono.htm

 

Georgia

Georgia LegalAid

·   Click on “Disaster Relief” for legal information on related topics.

1-404-527-8762

www.legalaid-ga.org

Louisiana

Louisiana State Bar Association:

·   In order to take advantage of this assistance, you must be a resident of Louisiana

1-800-310-7029

www.lsba.org/home1/

 

 

 

 

 

Legal Assistance (cont.)

Information on lawyers, including those who provide reduced-fee or pro-bono (free) services.

 

 

Mississippi

Mississippi American Bar Association:

·   In order to take advantage of this assistance, you must be a resident of Mississippi

1-866-255-4495

Nevada

Nevada Law Help provides legal assistance to disaster victims on a variety of issues.

http://www.nevadalawhelp.org/NV/index.cfm

 

Tennessee

Nashville Bar Association

·   Lawyer referral service.

1-865-522-7501 (East Tennessee)

1-615-242-6546 (Middle and West Tennessee)

1-423-756-3222 (Southeast Tennessee)

www.nashbar.org

Texas

State Bar of Texas:

·   Website lists legal resources available statewide and nationally.

http://www.texasbar.com/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=12807&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm

Utah

Utah State Bar:

Provides information on how to find pro bono legal services.

http://www.utahbar.org/news/hurricane_katrina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Replacing Important Records

Guidance on replacing lost records.

 

Replacing Important Records

 

Organization

Phone Number and Website

 

Immigration, Passports, Social Security, Veterans Documentation

National

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

·    To replace lost or destroyed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documents, such as permanent resident cards (green cards), employment authorizations, re-entry permits, certificates of citizenship, and more, please visit

·    Hours: 8am-6pm/M-F

1-800-375-5283

http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/neworleans/aboutus.htm

http://uscis.gov/graphics/katrina.htm

 

United States Department of State (USDOS)

·    To replace a lost or stolen passport

1-202-955-0430

http://travel.state.gov/passport/lost/us/us_848.html

 

Social Security Administration (SSA)

·    In a disaster, it is important that those who depend on Social Security checks continue to receive them, even though they may be displaced from their homes.

·    Call or visit the website to:

·   Process Social Security claims

·   Process disaster-related death certificates

·   Make address changes

·   Replace lost or destroyed Social Security cards

·   Resolve problems involving lost/destroyed Social Security checks

·   Obtain advice and assistance in regard to regular and survivor benefits payable through Social Security programs

1-800-772-1213

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/emergency/.

Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)

·   Provides a variety of disaster assistance specifically targeted to veterans and survivors, including:

·   Medical and Burial assistance

·   Priority in acquiring VA-owned properties if you are displaced in a disaster.

·   Monthly disability compensation

·   Pension payments

·   Replacement checks

1-800-827-1000

 

http://www.vba.va.gov/BENEFITS/ROcontacts.htm

 

http://www1.va.gov/opa/katrina/

 

http://www1.va.gov/opa/rita/


Replacing Important Records (cont.)

Guidance on replacing lost records.

 

Replacing Important Records

 

Organization

Phone Number and Website

Birth Certificates

National

VitalCheck Network

·   Obtain an expedited, certified copy of your birth certificate for all states

·   VitalCheck’s Louisiana main office is temporary closed due to flooding, as are the Jefferson and Calcasieu Parish offices.  The link to Louisiana on the website is also currently unavailable.

www.VitalCheck.com

Louisiana

Louisiana Department of Public Health - Vital Records Registry

·         Obtain the Request Form from the website

·         Bring the completed form, photo identification, and fee to the Central Office or to one of the 9 Regional Service Centers

·         Service Center hours are 8:15am thru 4pm Monday-Friday

·         Requests for certified copies of birth, death or Orleans Parish Marriage Certificates accepted before noon can usually be issued the same day

·         Visit the second website for a .pdf document with additional guidelines/instructions on obtaining copies of your lost records

1-800-454-9570

www.oph.dhh.state.la.us/recordsstatistics/vitalrecords/index.html

 

www.oph.dhh.state.la.us/recordsstatistics/vitalrecords/docs/Packet%2011%20Ordering%20Certificates.pdf

Department of Health and Hospitals

·   No-cost birth cards (small versions of birth certificates) are being offered by the Department of Health and Hospitals to evacuees and their children.

·   Hours: 8am-4:30pm/M-F

225-342-9500

1201 Capitol Access Road
P.O. Box 629
Baton Rouge, LA  70821-0629

http://www.dhh.state.la.us/

 

Birth cards in Louisiana can be obtained from parish health units in East Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport, and Monroe. Clerk offices in Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Bienville, Catahoula, Claiborne, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, East Feliciana, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, Lafayette, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Plaquemines, Richland, Sabine, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Laundry, St. Tammany, Tensas, Terrebonne, Union, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Carroll, and West Feliciana parishes will also offer no-cost birth cards.


Replacing Important Records (cont.)

Guidance on replacing lost records.

 

Document Restoration

National

Department of the Treasury (DOT)

·         DOT will exchange mutilated or damaged US Currency

www.bep.treas.gov/section.cfm/8/39

The National Archives

·         Provides guidelines for preserving and caring for your flood damaged photos, books, papers and more

1-866-272-6272

www.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines.html

Replacing Important Records

 

Organization

Phone Number and Website

Drivers Licenses and State Issued Identifications

Louisiana

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

·         Call or visit the website for guidance on how to obtain a new driver’s license and vehicle registration information.

1-877-368-5463
http://omr.dps.state.la.us

 

Alabama

Alabama Department of Public Safety

·         Complete the replacement application for your home state. The request will not be processed without a signature.

·         Include the reason for being out of state as “evacuation due to Hurricane Katrina”

·         The second website gives office locations and hours of operation

www.dps.state.al.us/public/misc/katrina/

 

www.dps.state.al.us/public/driverlicense/schedules.asp

Mississippi

Mississippi Department of Public Safety

·         Website provides office locations

1-601-987-1200

www.dps.state.ms.us/dps/dps.nsf/divpages/hp2drivermap?OpenDocument

Texas

Texas Department of Public Safety

·         Website provides information on replacing your drivers license

·         Hours: 8am-5pm (central time)

1-512-424-2000

www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/driver_licensing_control

 

 


Reunification Information

Reuniting families and loved ones and their pets.

 

Finding Missing Persons

 

Finding Missing Persons

Organization

Phone Number and Website

American Red Cross – Restoring Family Links

·   Helps evacuees find each other after national disasters

1 877-LOVED-1S (1-877-568-3317)

http://www.katrinasafe.com/

The Find Family National Call Center

·   A hotline to help connect family members

·   7am-11pm 7 days a week

1-866-326-9393

www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=19119

Katrina/Rita Missing Persons Hotline

·   Staffed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

1-888-544-5475

National Center for Missing Adults

·   Helps locate missing persons

·   7am-6pm MST, 7 days a week

1-800-324-0326

www.theyaremissed.org/ncma/index.php

National Next of Kin Registry

·   Locate your Next of Kin

·   Leave a message if no one is available to take your call

1-800-915-5413

http://nokr.org/nok/restricted/home.htm

Yahoo! Message Boards

·   For information on missing persons

http://boards.news.yahoo.com/boards/

Family Links Registry

·   Information about those possibly affected by the hurricane

http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/katrina

The Louisiana Hospital Association

·   Locate someone who may have been transferred from a Louisiana Hospital

http://www.lhaonline.org/

Arkansas

·   Information on finding evacuees by their name

http://www.evacueeinformation.kare.arkansas.gov/reports 


Reunification Information

Reuniting families and loved ones and their pets.

Finding Missing Pets

 

 

Finding Missing Pets

Organization

Phone Number and Website

Animal Emergency Response Network

·   Information on helping companion animal victims and their caretakers during disasters

http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

·   Information on how to rescue, reunite, and re-home animals

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=hurricane_home.

Humane Society of the United States

·   Locating pets displaced by the hurricane and reuniting pets with their owners

1-800-HUMANE-1 (1-800-486-2631)

 http://www.hsus.org

Noah's Wish

·   Information on sheltering animals found in Slidell, Louisiana.

http://www.noahswish.org/.

Pet Finder

·   Information on helping pet owners and their companions find each other

1-800-485-5152

http:/www.petfinder.org

 

 


Student Resources Information

Guidance and information on efforts being made to accommodate students from the elementary school level up to the college level, including international students, who have been displaced by the hurricane.

 

Student Resources

 

Organization

Phone Number and Website

National

Department of Education

·         Start by contacting your local School Board for guidance, then contact the DOE for further assistance

·         Spanish Speakers are available (se habla espanol)

·         Hotline is available from 9 am-5 pm EST

1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327)

1-800-437-0833 – TTY

http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml.

Department of Health and Human Services

·         Provides search engines and additional inks to locate public schools (K-12), Head Start, colleges and universities, various state departments of education, financial aid, and foreign student information and resources

www.hhs.gov/katrina/education.html

KatrinaCollegeStudents.org

·         Provides additional resources to help displaced college students return to school