McCarthy: We Are Still Recovering from Disaster

Dear Friends,

Although it’s been four months since Superstorm Sandy came ashore in Nassau County, we are still fighting to recover from the disaster, with some residents still displaced from their homes and many of them trying to get the funds they need to rebuild from their insurance companies, banks and government agencies.

Here’s an update on the latest you need to know:

NEW FEMA DEADLINE

The new registration deadline for individuals seeking assistance in New York is March 29.  Anyone who suffered losses due to Superstorm Sandy may apply for FEMA assistance even if they have insurance.

According to FEMA, Survivors who register may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses, including rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

By returning the SBA disaster loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged primary residence. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property. Businesses and private nonprofits may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

Anyone may register with FEMA by going to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 800-621-3362. To find the nearest FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, visit www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers

NEW PROPOSAL FOR CO-OP OWNERS

I’m fighting to fix a problem in current regulations that could direct much-needed relief to residents of co-ops and condominiums.

Right now, housing co-op and condominium associations are ineligible for FEMA’s Individual and Households program (IHP) because they are classified as commercial business associations.  I’m writing to Secretary Janet Napolitano and Administrator Craig Fugate to ask them to change this rule and include these groups so they apply for the FEMA grants.  Without this change, these groups must apply for loans through the Small Business Association.

A NEW PROPOSAL FOR HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Many houses of worship and community centers run by religious institutions provide the same community functions as secular non-profits. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, they have provided the same types of aid and relief services as secular aid organizations to their surrounding communities, and were hit just as hard by the storm as well.

I’m proud to have co-sponsored the The Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2013, which allows sites run by religious institutions affected by Superstorm Sandy to apply for aid after Superstorm Sandy.  The bill has passed the House of Representatives.

It’s going to take vigilance and more hard work, but I know that Long Island will rebuild from Superstorm Sandy better than ever.  If you live in the 4th Congressional District and need help with a federal agency or program as you recover from Sandy, feel free to call my district office at (516) 739-3008 or email Jessica.Montgomery@mail.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Carolyn McCarthy