Representatives from federal government agencies and Nashville leaders held a virtual town hall Monday night to discuss the ongoing tornado recovery efforts and grants and loans available for those affected by the deadly March 3 tornadoes.
The town hall was organized by Eastside Tornado Recovery, a newly created group of East Nashville residents, business owners and neighborhood associations that have a simple goal: encourage those in need of help to apply for federal assistance before the looming May 4 deadline.
Representatives from Federal Emergency Management Agency said their agency has distributed nearly $2 million in grants for 620 Tennesseans across Davidson, Wilson and Putnam counties. Almost $1.5 million has been approved in housing grants alone.
The Small Business Administration said their organization has approved almost $9 million for business owners, homeowners and renters.
What's available for homeowners, renters
If you're a homeowner or renter, FEMA has two options if your insurance doesn't cover all damage-related costs: assistance for housing and other needs assistance.
Housing assistance can fund home repairs, replacement costs and even rental assistance for up to 18 months. With the other needs assistance, FEMA can help with medical, dental and funeral costs.
Already have rental or homeowner's insurance? No problem.
"It's really important that even though folks have insurance, that they please apply with us," said Alecia Morris, who works as a liaison between FEMA and affected individuals.
Morris said she's seen many cases where insurances cover the loss of items but not additional living expenses or loss of use. And if renters or homeowners don't know that FEMA can help, they end up eating the extra cost.
For people who own a home, their insurance may not cover property such as septic systems, wells and privately owned roads and bridges. That's where FEMA can help, Morris said.
Although FEMA is not doing "boots on the ground assessments," they are assessing applicants virtually.
Another way residents can seek help is through the Small Business Association since President Donald Trump declared the March 3 tornadoes as a natural disaster.
"This is the one time the Small Business Association will help residents," said LaTanya Channel, who is with the SBA.
There are two loan options through the SBA for homeowners and renters, Channel said.
For physical damage to a home, including vehicle damage, owners and renters can apply for a loan.
There is also the economic injury disaster loan, known as EIDL, where homeowners can receive loans up to $200,000 at 1.5% interest rate and renters can receive up to $40,000 at a 3.75% interest rate, Channel said.
What's available for businesses
Businesses that were affected by the tornado are also eligible for SBA loans, Channel said.
"Businesses of any size are eligible" for the physical damage loan, and small businesses and nonprofit organizations are eligible for an EIDL, where they can receive up to $2 million, Channel said.
Audra Ladd with the Nashville mayor's office recommended business owners consider Pathway Lending, which is offering a loan program for businesses up to $50,000 at a 4% interest.
Additionally, Ladd encouraged businesses to consider crowdfunding as a way to raise money. The mayor's office has advisers to help with campaigns, she said.
How to get in contact
Storm survivors can logon for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling at 1-800-621-3362.
Those with speech disability or hearing loss who use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly. Those who use 711 or video relay service should call 1-800-621-3362.
What do you want to know about tornado recovery efforts? Reach Brinley Hineman at bhineman@gannett.com, at 615-278-5164 and on Twitter @brinleyhineman.
"assistance" - Google News
April 21, 2020 at 07:16PM
https://ift.tt/2zeROHn
Agencies urge Tennesseans to apply for federal assistance for tornado damage as deadline looms - Tennessean
"assistance" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Ne4zX9
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Agencies urge Tennesseans to apply for federal assistance for tornado damage as deadline looms - Tennessean"
Post a Comment