FLOOD DAMAGE UPDATE

August 24, 2001

FOR HOMEOWNERS, RENTERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS AFFECTED BY THE FLOOD!

DISASTER ASSISTANCE:

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss, If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy, Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans, If you suffered disaster-related damages "of any kind and size" during the August 10-12 flooding: please APPLY BY TELEPHONE at 1-800-462-9029. When you call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), have the following available: (a) a telephone number in case FEMA needs to call you back; (b) your Social Security number; (c) your current mailing address; (d) the address of the damaged property; (e) a brief description of damages; and (f) insurance information (if you have insurance).

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS:

If you live in the District of Columbia and your home or business was damaged in the recent flood, you may be eligible for various forms of disaster aid. Therefore, AFTER YOU REGISTER with FEMA, you may visit one of the following Disaster Recovery Centers, if you have questions concerning (a) housing assistance; (b) tax assistance; (c) unemployment assistance, grants for special needs; home or business loans: (1) Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Road, NE.or (2) Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center, 2000 14th Street, N.W., 2nd floor Community Room. Indeed, representatives from FEMA, the American Red Cross, the Small Business Administration and the local Emergency Management Agency, will be at these locations from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., 7 days per week, until further notice!!!

FLOOD RELIEF COMMAND CENTER: ST. MARTIN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

1912 NORTH CAPITOL STREET, NW (202} 667-6329

Affected residents can receive emergency assistance in the form of cleaning supplies, clothing, a limited amount of food and referrals for shelter. To his end, the church is serving as a reception center for the donation of clothing (for adults and children), cleaning supplies, food and other articles that you are willing to share with neighbors who, in many instances, have lost everything. This Flood Relief Command Center will remain in place until further notice.

STILL DESPERATELY NEEDED

To assist a number of families in our neighborhood to discard damaged furniture, clean their homes and otherwise recover from the damage and trauma that they recently experienced. Also, volunteers are needed to answer telephones and to perform other duties at the Flood Relief Command Center. If you have any time to contribute to this effort over the next 10 to 14 days, please contact 667-6329!

(Update Courtesy of ANC 5C. James D. Berry. Jr., Chairperson)