11.18.21 Update

Hurricane Ida Recovery Update

Thursday, November 18, 2021

FEMA

  • Deadline approaching for FEMA Assistance: Survivors of Hurricane Ida have two weeks left to apply for individual assistance from FEMA. The final deadline to apply is Monday, Nov. 29.
  • FEMA assistance for individuals and families affected by Hurricane Ida can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
  • The easiest way to apply for FEMA assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  • Individuals can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply and meet with FEMA specialists in person in the Garyville Library Parking Lot (9am-5pmMON-SAT). FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be closed for the Thanksgiving holidays from Nov. 25-Nov. 28, reopening on Nov. 29, the final day to apply for federal assistance for Hurricane Ida

FROM FEMA: If you Applied with FEMA already and have questions about your recovery process, help is available by calling the hotline at 800-621-3362.

Reasons to call the hotline:

  • To get help with your online account
  • You received a letter from FEMA, but no decision was given
  • To get help with uploading documents
  • You received a letter and was denied assistance
  • To update or change information

FEMA Mitigation specialists are also available by phone and email: Call a specialist at the FEMA Mitigation Helpline, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, at 833-FEMA-4-US (833-336-2487), FEMA-LAMit@fema.dhs.gov

SBA Disaster Loan Deadline Less Than Two Weeks Away

Did you know? SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters.

   -Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury.

    -SBA offers low interest working capital loans (called Economic Injury Disaster Loans) to small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of all sizes having difficulty meeting obligations as a result of the disaster.

    -Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence.

    -Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property.

Apply by Nov 29th. For questions or assistance, visit the SBA Recovery Center at 380 Belle Terre Blvd. (M-W), call 800-659-2955, or visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

Debris Removal

  • To date, more than 855,000 Cubic Yards has been collected (over 15,000 loads).
  • The debris contractor will shut down operations from Saturday, November 20th to Sunday November 28th for Thanksgiving. They will resume operations on Monday, November 29th.
  • For questions related to Hurricane debris on state roadways, you can call the DOTD hotline at 800-950-2732.

No change from previous update:

Parish President Hotard Brings Hurricane Ida Free Legal Services to St. John

  • Hurricane Ida Disaster Legal Assistance is available by appointment every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the legal clinic located at 1811 W. Airline Hwy in LaPlace. St. John the Baptist Parish residents seeking disaster-related legal assistance can contact Southeast Legal Services at 225-448-0080 ext. 336 to schedule an appointment. If no one answers, please leave your name and phone number and someone will return your call.

Temporary Housing

  • The State set up the Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program to help assist Hurricane Ida survivors with direct and non-congregate sheltering in areas such as St. John.
  • This program is being run by the State and you must apply for this program separately from FEMA. To do so, please visit idashelteringla.com or call (844) 268-0301.
  • Already registered? Check your status by viewing your registration at IdaShelteringLA.com. If your registration is incomplete, answer all information. Please make sure to complete the following:

Release of Information (ROI),

Right of Entry (ROE); and provide a copy of your government issued identification.

  • If you have any questions, please reach out to a Program Team Member by calling 1-844-268-0301 or 1-844-458-1806 for talk to text (TTY).
  • Residents are encouraged to also apply for FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Long Term Recovery Group

  • St. John Parish recently activated the Long Term Recovery Group to assist residents with unmet needs due to Hurricane Ida.
  • The Long Term Recovery group consists of government, faith-based, non-profit, state, and federal organizations, and other agencies whose goal is to assist individuals and families as they recover from a disaster.
  • If you are a homeowner and are uninsured, underinsured, or need assistance due to Hurricane Ida, please call the St John Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) at 985-703-8411.  

Elderly Assistance

  • Elderly residents who may need assistance can continue to call our Department of Health & Human Services office at 985-536-4955 during business hours.

Permits

  • Permit fees for repairs and renovations due to hurricane damage have been waived however a permit may still be needed in some instances.
  • Building permits are not needed for Shingles, Sheetrock, Cabinetry, Flooring, Fencing, Doors, Siding, Trim and Painting.
  • Permits are only needed when structural repairs are made to the framing, roof, or electrical components of the house.
  • If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 985-651-5565.

Safe Reconnect

  • If you sustained damage to your home or business electrical and/or gas systems and the utility was not able to reconnect service, please contact Planning & Zoning at Email safereconnect@stjohn-la.gov or call 985-651-5565 so someone in this department can work with you on reconnection.

Beware of Fraud

 

  • Survivors should be aware of con artists and criminals trying to take advantage of them, posing as phony property inspectors or phony building contractors. Thieves also may try to steal money or your personal information through fraud by directing you to apply on their website. FEMA’s website is www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Report scams, fraud, and identity theft to FEMA’s toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
  • Contact the Louisiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Section, P.O. Box 94005, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9005. Or fax your complaint to 225-326-6499.

 

Resources

•           State of Louisiana’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program: idashelteringla.com/ or call 844-268-0301

•           FEMA Helpline (6 a.m. – 10 p.m., seven days a week): 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585)

•           SBA’s Customer Service Center: 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov

•           Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990

 

Stay Connected:

  • For text alerts, text SJPWEATHER to 888-77
  • Parish website: sjbparish.gov
  • Parish social media: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
  • Government Access Channel (15/99)

 


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