Dennis Individual Assistance Nears $24 Million Mark

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

* Since the July 10 presidential disaster declaration, 37,754 applicants have registered for assistance with FEMA.
* 19,167 applications for rental, housing and other needs assistance have been approved totaling $19,219,231 by the close of business Wednesday, Aug. 17.
* 15,819 individuals have visited Disaster Recovery Centers.
* The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved 225 low-interest disaster loans totaling $4,435,300. SBA representatives are available at all of the federal/state recovery centers located throughout the declared area.

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 SBA low-interest loans to help with losses.

Applicants, including units of local government, in 19 counties (Bay, Calhoun, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jefferson, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Monroe, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton and Washington) are eligible for Public Assistance funds for emergency services and 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 because of 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 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EDT), and closed on weekends.