Eligible for grant money from July storms? Belleville FEMA office can help you find out
A small army of federal employees has converged on St. Clair County to help people affected by severe weather in July.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency set up FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers at the Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Campus in Belleville (formerly Lindenwood University-Belleville) and Cahokia Heights Fitness & Community Center.
The agency invites people to stop by if their homes, vehicles, other belongings or livelihoods were damaged by storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds or flooding July 13-16.
“When in doubt, just apply,” said Leyla Gulen, FEMA spokesperson for centers in several Illinois counties, including St. Clair and Washington. “Don’t assume you don’t qualify.”
“The worst they can say is no,” added Crew Leader Dan Welker.
FEMA hosted “soft openings” of the centers on Monday afternoon. Normal operations will begin Tuesday and likely continue through mid-November. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
FEMA employees can answer questions, help people apply for assistance, upload documents and talk about how to make property more “disaster resistant.” Small Business Administration representatives will provide information on long-term, low-interest loans.
Other federal employees are going door to door in areas known to have been affected by the severe weather.
“They walk miles in a day and knock on hundreds of doors to make sure that no survivor is left behind,” Gulen said.
Seven Illinois counties were hit by heavy rain and strong winds July 13-16. President Joe Biden signed a Major Disaster Declaration last month, authorizing FEMA to assist individuals and business owners with recovery.
The last day to apply is Nov. 19.
Most FEMA assistance takes the form of grants for everything from home repairs to the cost of moving, storage, transportation, clothing, food, medical supplies, child care, even funerals.
“The maximum amount (per application) is $42,900,” said Christine Campbell, center manager in Belleville.
People also can apply for FEMA assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA app.
Those who have home, business or vehicle insurance must first submit insurance claims to be considered for FEMA assistance. Federal law prohibits the agency from “duplicating funds,” Gulen said.
People who apply for FEMA assistance, whether online or in person, get letters notifying them if they’re eligible or ineligible based on property inspections and other factors.
“When you get that letter, if it says you are denied, don’t assume that you’’re not getting assistance,” Campbell said. “That may be because you need more documentation (such as proof of residence, ownership or insurance). Bring that letter in to us, and we’ll explain it to you.”
The five other Illinois counties included in Biden’s disaster declaration were Cook, Fulton, Henry, Will and Winnebago.
For more information, call 800-621-3362.
