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LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish issued the following Hurricane Ida recovery updates for Monday, November 8.

FEMA

·        The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance from FEMA is 11/29/21.

·        Apply by calling 1-800-621-3362; TTY: 1-800-462-7585, through the FEMA Mobile App, at disasterassistance.gov, or In-person at the Disaster Recovery Centers (Edgard Library Parking Lot & Garyville Library Parking Lot from 9a-5p M-SAT)

NOTE: The FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will remain open on Veterans Day.

SBA

·        The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters who suffered losses caused by Hurricane Ida. Application Deadline is Nov. 29th.

Types of loans available are:

— Homeowners: up to $200,000 to repair or replace real estate damage and up to $40,000 to replace personal property.

— Renters: up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

— Businesses – Property Damage: up to $2,000,000 to repair or replace real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets that were damaged or destroyed (available to businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations).

— Economic Injury: only for small businesses and most private non-profit organizations suffering adverse financial impacts of the disaster (with or without property loss), up to $2,000,000 for working capital to help pay obligations until normal operations resume.

·        For additional assistance, SBA has established a Business Recovery Center on Belle Terre at the River Region Chamber of Commerce that is open Monday-Wednesday. You can also contact an SBA customer service representative via email at FOCWAssistance@sba.gov or by phone at 800-659-2955. You can apply online at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.

Temporary Housing

·        The State set up the Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program to help assist Hurricane Ida survivors with temporary housing.

·        This program is being run by the State and you must apply for this program separately from FEMA. To do so, please visit idashelteringla.com or call (844) 268-0301.

·        Already registered? Check your status by viewing your registration at IdaShelteringLA.com. If your registration is incomplete, answer all information. Please make sure to complete the following:

Release of Information (ROI),

Right of Entry (ROE); and provide a copy of your government issued identification.

·        If you have any questions, please reach out to a Program Team Member by calling 1-844-268-0301 or 1-844-458-1806 for talk to text (TTY).

·        Residents are encouraged to also apply for FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Debris Removal

·        To date, more than 811,000 cubic yards of debris has been collected in St. John Parish and more than 14,000 loads hauled.

·        The Parish continues to work closely with State DOTD on debris removal on state highways. DOTD recently announced that they were starting to make a final pass. For questions related to Hurricane debris on state roadways, you can call their hotline at 800-950-2732.

Long Term Recovery Group

·        St. John Parish recently activated the Long Term Recovery Group to assist residents with unmet needs due to Hurricane Ida.

·        The Long Term Recovery group consists of government, faith-based, non-profit, state, and federal organizations, and other agencies whose goal is to assist individuals and families as they recover from a disaster.

·        If you are a homeowner and are uninsured, underinsured, or need assistance due to Hurricane Ida, please call the St John Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) at 985-703-8411.

Be Aware of Contractor Fraud:

·        Verify whether a contractor is licensed or registered to do construction in Louisiana before you make a down payment or sign a contract. There are three ways to check licensure through LSLBC:

·        Check their license via the LSLBC website at lacontractor.org. or call 1-800-256-1392.

·         Be sure you learn the contractor’s full name, business address and take note of their physical description.

·        Ask them for references from previous clients, check their reviews via internet and social media.

·        Get the phone number and call it in their presence to ensure they are the phone account holder.

·        Ask them for proof of liability and workers compensation insurance.

·        Ask to see their contractor’s license

·         Take note of the vehicle they are driving, record the license plate number.

·         Be sure you are supplied a detailed estimate and contract, signed by the contractor in your presence, be sure the contract has estimated dates of start and completion.

·        Never give a down payment exceeding 10 percent of the total project cost or pay for projects not yet completed

·        Always get more than one estimate for the repairs

 

No change from previous update.

Elderly Assistance

·        Elderly residents who may need assistance can continue to call our Department of Health & Human Services office at 985-536-4955 during business hours.

Disaster Distress Helpline

·        If you’re looking for ways to cope with stress or anxiety, there are free resources available through the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

Permits

·        Permit fees for repairs and renovations due to hurricane damage have been waived however a permit may still be needed in some instances.

·        Building permits are not needed for Shingles, Sheetrock, Cabinetry, Flooring, Fencing, Doors, Siding, Trim and Painting.

·        Permits are only needed when structural repairs are made to the framing, roof, or electrical components of the house.

·        If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 985-651-5565.

Safe Reconnect

·        If you sustained damage to your home or business electrical and/or gas systems and the utility was not able to reconnect service, please contact Planning & Zoning at Email safereconnect@stjohn-la.gov or call 985-651-5565 so someone in this department can work with you on reconnection.

 

Stay Connected:

·        For text alerts, text SJPWEATHER to 888-77

·        Parish website: sjbparish.gov

·        Parish social media: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

·        Government Access Channel (15/99)