Individual Dennis Assistance Nears $13M

Funds continue to flow to victims of Hurricane Dennis, according to officials of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Florida State Emergency Response Team.

* Since the July 10 presidential disaster declaration, 30,304 applicants have registered for assistance with FEMA.
* 12,089 applications for rental, housing and other needs assistance have been approved, totaling $12,780,362 by the close of business Wednesday, July 27.
* Almost 9,300 individuals have visited Disaster Recovery Centers.
Homeowners, renters and business owners in 10 designated counties (Bay, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Taylor, Wakulla and Walton) are eligible now for Individual Assistance, including grants and U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans to help with losses.
* Applicants, including units of local government, in 18 counties (Bay, Calhoun, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jefferson, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Monroe, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Taylor Wakulla, Walton and Washington) are eligible for Public Assistance funds for emergency services, debris removal and to help restore or rebuild essential public facilities.
* Jackson County applicants are eligible to receive Public Assistance funds limited to emergency services and debris removal costs.

Individuals and business owners who suffered damage due to Hurricane Dennis may still register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at www.fema.gov. For the hearing and speech impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.