12.15.21 Update

Hurricane Ida Recovery Update

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

SBA to expand the days of operation at its Business Recovery Center in La Place to Mondays - Thursdays, beginning Dec. 16.

  • SBA customer service representatives will continue to meet with business owners to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, help each individual complete their electronic loan application and close their approved loans. No appointment is necessary.

    River Region Chamber of Commerce

    390 Belle Terre Blvd.

    LaPlace, LA 70068

    Mondays – Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

  • Even though the deadline to apply for a loan for property damage has passed, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size still have until May 31, 2022, to apply for an economic injury disaster loan to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.
  • Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Business owners may apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

No change in previous update

Debris Collection

  • To request construction debris pickup please text the address to 504-884-0607 or call 985-652-9569.
  • Debris trucks continue to pick up daily Parishwide.
  • To date, almost 1 million cubic yards of debris has been collected throughout the Parish.

FEMA

FEMA announced it will be conducting an additional outreach campaign in December to call survivors who registered for assistance but haven’t stayed in contact.

If this applies to you, there are two ways to update your information.

https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-still-here-help-hurricane-ida-survivors?fbclid=IwAR0PlZzzrEBWAosSu9JWdkVlMW3idcmULGCIQlhAm1R2V4pvtqD9JcDJcWE

DRC: The Disaster Recovery Center in the Garyville Library Parking Lot is scheduled to close permanently on December 22nd. It is currently open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents can continue to visit a number of other centers open in Louisiana. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visitwww.FEMA.gov/DRC.

  • Call FEMA’s Disaster Helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out the status of your application, what additional assistance may be available or to have other questions answered. The lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Be Aware of Contractor Fraud

  • As we work to recover and rebuild following Hurricane Ida, residents are encouraged to watch for and report any suspicious activity or contractor fraud.
  • Potential fraud should be reported to https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint or the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
  • Remember to verify contractor’s license and insurance.

Hurricane Ida Disaster Legal Assistance

  • 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

  • Residents who need temporary housing should register for the state’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering program at idashelteringla.com or by calling 844-268-0301.
  • Already registered? Check your status by viewing your registration at IdaShelteringLA.com. 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).

Long Term Recovery Group

  • St. John Parish recently activated the Long Term Recovery Group to assist residents with unmet needs due to Hurricane Ida.
  • 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.  

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.

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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