Recovery News

HELP FOR RECOVERY COMES FROM LOCAL, STATE, FEDERAL SOURCES

Individuals and families recovering from a Hurricane have access to a number of local, state, and federal resources that can help them get back on their feet.

“Disasters begin and end locally,” said William L. Vogel, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s top official in New Jersey. “It’s important to remember we’re only part of the team.”

FEMA coordinates the federal resources that became available soon after Irene hit. A presidential disaster declaration helps survivors and their communities get started on the road to recovery. Grants are provided to eligible applicants to cover basic needs; communities are reimbursed — at a minimum of 75 percent — for eligible projects that repair or replace disaster-damaged infrastructure.

“In addition to FEMA, there are state and local resources here before, during and after disaster strikes,” said Lt. Paul Miller, state coordinating officer with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.

Shelter/Housing Needs:

Social Services:

  • NJ HELPS: For complete information on all state social services and online applications   http://www.njhelps.org.
  • Disaster Mental Health: New Jersey MentalHealthCares’ Disaster Mental Health Helpline (877) 294-HELP (4357). A TTY line is available at (877) 294-4356. Translation services are available as well.

Social Services for the Homeless hotline (by county)   http://nj211.org/images/Hurricane/CountyHomelessHotlines.pdf

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistancewww.sba.gov

Business:

Agricultural Needs:

Document Replacement:

Legal Services: www.lsnj.org or call 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529)

Fraud Reporting:   To report suspected fraud 1-800-323-8603

Disaster-Related Scams:

Verifying the credibility of Charitable Organization

Hiring Licensed Home Improvement Contractors:

Disaster IRS Tax Relief:  Go to www.IRS.gov or see your tax person.

Volunteer Your ServicesAgencies looking for volunteers may register their needs and volunteers willing to assist in relief efforts may search for opportunities at www.VolunteerNewJersey.org. Database maintained by The Association of New Jersey Volunteer Centers and the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism: (609) 633-9629 or (609) 775-5236.

 [hr] FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.