January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and the FBI is asking partners to help us share information to #EndTrafficking.

The disturbing reality is that people are being bought, sold, and exploited every day. Victims are held against their will through force, fraud, or physical or psychological coercion. Together we can help prevent this trauma.

Please help by sharing the attached graphic on your social media with the hashtag #EndTrafficking.

If you have a tip about a potential trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888. The FBI investigates all forms of human trafficking, regardless of the victim’s age or nationality. Learn more at http://fbi.gov/humantrafficking.

Business Assistance Needed

If your business can provide temporary or even permanent laundromat services in Terrebonne in two – possibly three locations, please contact us at info@labeoc.org.

Please note: Business must be registered in Louisiana and certified to contract with the state of Louisiana.

Deadline Approaching in Louisiana for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to a Winter Storm including Ice

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded Louisiana small nonfarm businesses in Allen, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides and Vernon parishes of the Jan. 10, 2022, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the winter storm including ice in Rapides Parish that occurred Feb. 15-21, 2001.

According to Garfield, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Garfield.

“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Garfield added.

The interest rate is 3 percent for businesses and 2 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on May 10, 2021.

Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration.

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. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Spend FEMA Grants Only on Hurricane Recovery

This holiday season, as Louisiana homeowners and renters continue to receive disaster funds, FEMA wants to remind you that federal grant money may only be used for disaster-related expenses.

Receiving Grant Money
Once an application is complete, it only takes FEMA a few days to deposit the money into the bank account you provided. It will appear in your account under a banking code that may not say the word FEMA. You will also receive a letter or email telling you the amount you are receiving and explaining how you can spend the money.

Spend Grants Wisely
Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses. Some examples of allowed expenses include:
▪ Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems)
▪ Rental assistance for rent and/or deposit
▪ Repair or replacement of an essential vehicle
▪ Medical or dental care for an uninsured injury caused by the disaster
▪ Necessary educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
▪ Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster
▪ Replacement of essential personal property such as appliances or a bed from an occupied bedroom
▪ Increased childcare expenses

Risks of Not Using Money as Intended
Read your determination letter carefully. You will need to keep receipts for all expenses for at least three years, as disaster funding may be subject to review. If you have spent the payment on anything other than its intended purpose, you may be denied disaster assistance in the future. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the money be
returned.

Keep in touch with FEMA
Be sure FEMA has your most up-to-date contact information, including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, survivors may miss letters or phone calls about their application for assistance or payment status.

For any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance Today, But FEMA Remains in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. – While the Nov. 29 deadline to submit an application for Hurricane Ida assistance is today,
FEMA will remain in Louisiana to assist survivors. If you applied for the assistance you can continue to upload
documents and update information to your file.

FEMA urges survivors to stay informed, reach out, and keep their contact information up to date. Update any
changed contact information as soon as possible to avoid any delays in your application.

If you applied with FEMA before Nov. 29 and later discover that your insurance did not cover all losses, you have up
to a year to submit additional documentation to FEMA. It is important to provide FEMA with your final insurance
settlement information, as assistance may be available for some expenses not covered by insurance.

Applicants should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster-assistance process stays on track. Missing or
incorrect information could hold things up. Update your contact information and report additional damage or a delay
in insurance payments by:
▪ Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
▪ Calling the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available; or
▪ Downloading the FEMA app.

To receive a link to download the FEMA app:
▪ Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362
▪ Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362
▪ Visit fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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FEMA Helpline Will be Closed on Thanksgiving

BATON ROUGE, La. – The FEMA Helpline for disaster survivors will be unavailable Thursday, Nov. 25 in observance of
Thanksgiving. The Helpline will resume normal operating hours on Friday, Nov 26., from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. CST,
seven days a week.

Hurricane Ida survivors can still register for assistance on Thanksgiving Day, and every day, online at
DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA app.

Remember, the last day to register for individual assistance is Monday, Nov. 29.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! NOVEMBER 27, 2021

Kick off the Holiday shopping season and #ShopSmall on November 27th! Small businesses in Louisiana are vital to communities so it is important to #SupportSmallBiz all year. Learn more: sba.gov/saturday

***SHOP SMALL***

Shop at local independent businesses this Saturday and throughout the holidays to show support to our Louisiana’s small businesses who create jobs and contribute to the economic growth of our communities.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

SHOP LOCAL !

FEMA Teams up with SBA at Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the New Orleans Public Library Main Branch

BATON ROUGE, La. – Although the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Main Branch of the New Orleans Public Library has closed, FEMA specialists will be available at this location to help survivors. The former DRC is now a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center.

SBA specialists will help business owners and individuals apply for low-interest disaster loans and close approved disaster loans. SBA provides federal low-interest disaster loans up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

FEMA specialists will still help survivors check the status of their FEMA applications and scan and upload documents, as well as answer questions and provide information on additional recovery resources and on how to rebuild safer and stronger.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Center is located at:

New Orleans Public Library – Main Branch, first floor

219 Loyola Ave. New Orleans, LA 70112

The center will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 24, and be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25-26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The center will re-open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 27.

Normal hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Federal Covid-19 safety rules require all visitors and employees at federal facilities to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance and an SBA loan is Nov. 29, 2021.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to Close for Thanksgiving Weekend

BATON ROUGE, La. – All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Louisiana will close for the entire Thanksgiving holiday weekend, from Thursday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 28. All centers will reopen at their regular hours Monday, Nov. 29.

Monday, Nov. 29 is also the last day for Hurricane Ida survivors to apply with FEMA. If possible, survivors should visit a recovery center before the holiday to apply or to follow-up on applications and request other services.

Individuals whose primary residence is in one of the 25 parishes designated for FEMA individual assistance may visit any disaster center to apply for assistance or obtain other help. Anyone needing a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille, Large print, etc.) may call 800-621-3362 to request assistance in advance or ask the recovery staff at the center for assistance.

To find a recovery center near you check the FEMA app or visit www.FEMA.gov/DRC. All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for all visitors, employees and volunteers.

Individuals may also apply for federal assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 or on the FEMA app: select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

Disaster Recovery Centers to be Closed on Sundays

BATON ROUGE, La. – Beginning Nov. 21, all FEMA disaster recovery centers in Louisiana will be closed Sundays.

At disaster recovery centers, residents affected by Hurricane Ida can get help with FEMA applications, upload
documents and have their questions about federal disaster assistance answered.

All DRCs follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for all visitors, employees and volunteers.

Most centers will remain open Monday through Saturday. For hours, locations and other details, check the FEMA
app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit http://www.FEMA.gov/DRC for a complete list of
DRCs currently open in Louisiana.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
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What’s Holding up Your Disaster Assistance? Call the FEMA Helpline and Find Out

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you applied with FEMA and have questions about your recovery process, immediate help is
available.

Simply call FEMA’s Disaster Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) to find out the status of your
application, what additional assistance may be available or to have other questions answered. Multilingual
operators are available to take your call. The lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If you haven’t heard back from FEMA since applying, a number of common problems may have delayed the
application process. For example, thousands of applications from Louisiana survivors have been held up because of
missing documents. Provide the needed paperwork, and the application can begin to move forward. Just call the
Helpline to find out how.

Reasons to call the Helpline:
▪ To get help with setting up an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov
▪ To get help with uploading documents. A Helpline operator can walk you through the process: Go to

DisasterAssistance.gov and login to your online account.
o Upload the document through the Upload Center tab at the top of the page after selecting the Type of and
the document type you are submitting (appeal, verification document, etc.). Select “Upload Now” to submit
the documentation or for multiple documents, select “Add Another File.”
▪ You received a letter from FEMA, but no decision was given. Read the letter carefully; if you don’t understand
what FEMA wants you to do, call the Helpline to find out why no decision has been made. Often you will need to
provide more documentation. Call the Helpline to find out how to handle FEMA’s requests for more information.
▪ You received a letter and were denied assistance but don’t know why. Call the Helpline to find out why you were
denied assistance and for help with appealing FEMA’s decision.

▪ FEMA may already have called you. FEMA staff review all applications and call survivors to verify information.

These calls may come from an unlisted number. By not answering calls from an unlisted number, applicants may
miss an opportunity for FEMA to assist them. When you answer an unlisted number and the caller says they are
from FEMA, request a FEMA identification number from the caller. If you are unsure of the caller’s identification,
or you are suspicious of someone claiming to be from FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-
462-7585). The same applies if you have been waiting for a home inspection call. The inspector may call from
an unlisted number, and you may miss the call.

▪ Your circumstances have changed, and you need to update your application. For a change of address, a new
phone number, updated banking information or other changes, call the Helpline.
▪ To update your insurance information. If you have received your insurance settlement and haven’t told FEMA
yet, or it doesn’t cover your needs, call the Helpline to update your application.
▪ If you want more information about the recovery process, how to rebuild to make your home stronger or other
recovery resources, call the Helpline. The operators can share information about additional support available
from FEMA and its partners.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
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When your Local Building Department Says You Need to Rebuild to Higher Standards, FEMA Flood Insurance May Help

If Hurricane Ida hit your home hard, the damage may have been so great that you will not
be allowed to simply repair the structure. When you make your claim, your flood insurance
from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will pay your building and/or contents
portion of the claim per your policy. In addition, you may be able to access an NFIP benefit
known as Increased Cost of Compliance.

Substantially damaged
▪ If the damage was so great that it would cost equal to or more than 50% of the structure’s pre-damaged market
value to repair, and must meet local rebuilding standards, your home will be designated “substantially
damaged” by the floodplain administrator. They will send you a substantial damage determination letter that
outlines what rebuilding requirements you must meet.

What is Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC)?
▪ This term means that you will have to do additional and more costly work to the home in order to meet the rules
or standards of the community’s flood prevention ordinance in the area where your home is located. You need to
bring the structure up to the current code. Your NFIP policy may help with these costs.
▪ ICC coverage is included under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Standard Flood Insurance Policy
(SFIP). ICC helps policyholders with the costs incurred if they are required by the community building department
to meet rebuilding standards after a flood.
▪ ICC coverage provides up to $30,000 to help pay for relocating, elevating, demolishing and floodproofing (nonresidential buildings), or any combination of these mitigation activities. You will need to do one of these things to
mitigate (lessen future damage):
o Relocating – moving your structure to another location
If your Local Building Department Says You Need to Rebuild to Higher Standards, FEMA Flood Insurance May Help
Learn more at fema.gov November 2021 2
o Elevating – Physically raising your home or business to or above the locally adopted flood elevation
o Demolishing – Taking down and removing
o Floodproofing – Retrofitting a non-residential building to reduce the potential for flood damage by keeping
water out of the building
▪ The ICC portion of the claim is handled separately from the building and/or contents portion of the claim.
However, the combination of payments cannot exceed the maximum coverage limits available through the NFIP.
For example, a policyholder cannot receive more than $250,000 in claim payments for a residential building.
▪ Submit to your insurance carrier the substantial damage letter you received from your community building
department declaring the building is substantially or repetitively damaged.
▪ Do not begin repair work before filing an ICC claim.
▪ The insurance carrier will verify that the flood damage to your building equals at least 50% of the pre-flood
market value, which is required to start the ICC claim.
▪ FEMA mitigation grant funding may also be available, and the ICC benefit may be able to be used as matching
funds. Talk to your local officials for more information about these grants.

Where to Get More Information

For more information about the ICC claim process, contact your insurance carrier and visit
http://www.FEMA.gov/Increased-Cost-Compliance-Coverage, and view Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About
Increased Cost of Compliance. To speak with a FEMA Community Education and Outreach staff member about steps
you can take to reduce your risk of future flood, wind and other damage, call 833-FEMA-4-US or 833-336-2487. You
can also visit: Louisiana Mitigation (connectsolutions.com). For Spanish, visit: Spanish Repairing and Rebuilding
after a Hurricane (connectsolutions.com). For Vietnamese, visit: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-vie-mit/

For the latest information on Hurricane Ida visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow us on Twitter at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

Two Weeks Remain to Apply for Hurricane Ida Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Survivors of Hurricane Ida still 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. Phone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week. Individuals can also visit a
Disaster Recovery Center to apply and meet with FEMA specialists in person. To locate a center, check the FEMA
app or visit fema.gov/DRCLocator.

Nov. 29 is also the final deadline to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan. SBA
representatives are available at disaster recovery centers. Businesses and residents can also visit sba.gov/disasterassistance, call SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955 (TTY) 800-877-8339, or email
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information or to apply.

Anyone requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille, Large print, etc.) may call 800-621-3362
to request assistance in advance or ask the recovery staff at the center for assistance. All DRC centers follow COVID19 precautions. Masks are required for all visitors, employees and volunteers.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
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Advisory: FEMA Updates Community Resilience Exercise Guide

FEMA releases updates to the Long-Term Community Resilience Exercise Resource Guide, a “one-stop-shop” for any jurisdiction or organization interested in using a climate-focused exercise to better understand their long-term risk and evaluate actions to mitigate them.

Exercises provide an effective forum for the public to develop a common understanding of risk, assess current capabilities, and identify preparedness gaps and other needs to be addressed through future planning. The guide is helpful for planning and conducting scenario-based exercises. It uses different time horizons and levels of climate risk to help visualize the future and evaluate options for constructive action to adapt to climate changes already occurring and those to come. This guide equips users with:

A dictionary with common terms to ensure a shared understanding of climate-related terminology and principles before an exercise.
Tools and templates for planning and conducting climate-focused exercises.
Resources including funding opportunities, risk assessments and training programs.

The guide offers the latest Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) guiding principles, new discussion prompts specific to climate change and social justice, and noteworthy resources from across the interagency.

Hurricane Ida Survivors Must Apply with FEMA – Just Once – for Housing Eligibility

Hurricane Ida survivors who have applied with FEMA for disaster assistance may be
considered for FEMA’s direct temporary housing.

There is no need to apply more than once, and no additional application is required to be considered for housing.
Once a survivor has applied, FEMA will call eligible applicants whose homes were destroyed or are unlivable to
discuss housing needs and to determine the next steps.

Survivors who have not applied for disaster assistance previously can do so online, by phone or at a Disaster
Recovery Center.

▪ Visit http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA Mobile App
▪ Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585)
▪ Find a DRC closest you at http://www.FEMA.gov/DRC

Those who use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA
the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available.

FEMA has approved direct temporary housing assistance for 10 parishes: Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston,
Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne. This program
makes several direct temporary housing options available to eligible Louisiana survivors.
Implementing FEMA’s direct temporary housing program may take months to complete. Site and floodplain
assessments, utility installation and construction, among other things, are required before the units can be
available.

Louisiana’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program

Louisiana’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program is a state-managed program, which may offer an interim solution
towards Ida survivors’ recovery. The state’s program provides temporary non-congregate sheltering for individuals
and families.

The program focuses on homeowners and renters in the hardest-hit parishes whose homes are unlivable or
destroyed due to disaster damage. Louisiana residents can register for the state program by visiting
Idashelteringla.com or calling (844) 268-0301. A resident is not required to apply for FEMA assistance, but it is
highly recommended.

For the latest information on Hurricane Ida visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow us on Twitter at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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FEMA: Disaster Assistance Still Available as Deadline Approaches

BATON ROUGE, La. – As Louisiana continues to recover from Hurricane Ida, FEMA encourages survivors to apply for
disaster assistance before it’s too late. The deadline to apply is Monday, Nov. 29.

Many times, homeowners don’t apply because they believe the damage to their home is insufficient, but later
discover hidden disaster-related damage. Survivors whose homes were damaged or who lost personal property
during Hurricane Ida must apply before Nov. 29 to participate in FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.

FEMA has several Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located throughout the state. However, you do not have to visit
a DRC in person to apply with FEMA. The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:
▪ Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
▪ By phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use a relay service such as video relay service
(VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
▪ Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

DRCs are staffed by representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and sometimes other
federal and local agencies and non-governmental resources. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit
http://www.FEMA.gov/DRC. All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for both FEMA specialists and
survivors.

Anyone requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille, large print, etc.) may call 800-621-3362 to
request assistance in advance or ask the recovery staff at the center for assistance.

For the latest information on Hurricane Ida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account
at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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FEMA Media Advisory: Most Disaster Recovery Centers to be Open on Veterans Day

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will remain open on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, with
one exception.

The disaster recovery center at the Alario Center (Hall C) in Westwego will close for Veterans Day and reopen Friday,
Nov. 12.

All other centers will observe regular hours on Veterans Day and provide regular services to help survivors with their
FEMA applications, upload documents and get their questions about federal disaster assistance answered.
Federal Covid-19 safety rules require all visitors and employees at FEMA disaster recovery centers to wear masks,
regardless of vaccination status.

For other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the FEMA
DRC Locator for a complete list of DRCs currently open in Louisiana.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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Media Advisory: Disaster Recovery Center Opens at Roller Kingdom in Hammond

BATON ROUGE, La. – A Disaster Recovery Center is now open at the Roller Kingdom in Hammond to help survivors
affected by Hurricane Ida. Survivors can get assistance with their disaster assistance applications, upload
documents and get questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

The center is located at:
Roller Kingdom
210 Hewitt Road
Hammond, LA 70403
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday; Closed Sunday.

For other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the
FEMA.gov/DRC for a complete list of DRCs currently open in Louisiana. All centers follow COVID-19 precautions.

Masks are required for both FEMA specialists and survivors.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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FEMA: Direct Temporary Housing May Provide Options for Hurricane Ida Survivors

FEMA determines if applicants are eligible for housing assistance and pairs them with the
best available housing solution to meet their household needs. Not everyone will be
eligible; however, FEMA’s temporary housing options can provide support to survivors who
qualify.

Eligibility
Applicants may be eligible for direct temporary housing if they are:
▪ Homeowners or renters whose home received major damage (significant structural damage that requires
extensive repairs and is not safe, sanitary, or functional to live in) or has been destroyed (total loss or damaged
to such an extent that repair is not feasible) as a result of Hurricane Ida (based on the FEMA inspection); and are
▪ Pre-disaster residents of one of the 10 parishes designated for FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing assistance:
Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist,
Tangipahoa and Terrebonne.

What Happens Next?
If applicants meet the criteria for direct temporary housing, they will be contacted by FEMA.
Applicants who do not qualify for direct temporary housing may qualify for rental assistance. FEMA rental assistance
provides temporary financial help, so disaster survivors have somewhere to live while they make plans for
permanent housing.

Survivors who need a more immediate place to stay should register for the state’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program
to find out what options are available in affected parishes. Visit idashelteringla.com or call 844-268-0301. The
state-run program is funded by FEMA and was designed to provide a safe and private short-term shelter for
households recovering from Hurricane Ida, while FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing assistance gains momentum.
The state program is also intended to help prevent the risk of spreading COVID-19 among households.

Direct Temporary Housing Options Can Include:
▪ Transportable Temporary Housing Units – FEMA may place a travel trailer or Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU)
on a private site or in a commercial park. FEMA may also coordinate with state and local officials to construct
group sites for several transportable housing units.
o Applicants approved for a travel trailer or MHU must sign a Revocable License and Receipt of Government
Property prior to moving into the unit.
▪ Direct Lease – FEMA may lease existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties for use as temporary housing.
Eligible property types may include vacation rentals, corporate apartments, second homes, single-family homes,
cooperatives, condominiums, townhouses, and other readily fabricated dwellings. Direct lease is for eligible
applicants whose housing needs cannot be met with other direct temporary housing assistance options.
▪ Multi-family Lease and Repair – FEMA funds the repair or improvement of existing vacant multi-family rental
properties that eligible applicants can use for temporary housing.
o Applicants approved for Multi-family Lease and Repair or Direct Lease must sign a temporary housing
agreement with FEMA and an occupant lease with the property owner prior to moving into the unit.

The applicant’s need for direct temporary housing will be re-evaluated on a regular basis while participating in the
Direct Temporary Housing program. To remain in a unit, all applicants must comply with the temporary housing
agreement and, if applicable, the occupant lease. This includes demonstrating progress towards a permanent or
longer-term housing plan.

You can apply for disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA
mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give
FEMA the number for that service.

For the latest information on Hurricane Ida visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow us on Twitter at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Chalmette

BATON ROUGE, LA – A Disaster Recovery Center is now open at the St. Bernard Port Harbor and Terminal District Parking Lot in Chalmette to help survivors affected by Hurricane Ida. All survivors can get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and get questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

The center is located at:

St. Bernard Port
Harbor and Terminal District Parking Lot
208 Marlin Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043

Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, seven days a week.

For other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the FEMA.gov/DRC for a complete list of DRCs currently open in Louisiana. All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for both FEMA specialists and survivors.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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