Mayor Manny Diaz Announces Miami Recovers Hurricane Relief Initiative

 

Campaign Aids Residents in Economic Recovery Following Hurricane Wilma

 

November 7, 2005 - (Miami, FL) - City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Commission Chairman Joe Sanchez today announced Miami Recovers, the City’s relief initiative following Hurricane Wilma which shifts focus from the distribution of essential supplies to the establishment of a multi-agency taskforce and the distribution of information regarding available assistance from local, state, federal and other sources. 

 

“Miami Recovers is an effort to identify and respond to all of the individual needs of our residents impacted by Hurricane Wilma,” said Mayor Diaz. “As this relief process continues, we are committed to working closely with local, state and federal authorities to find solutions to each and every problem.  It is crucial that our residents contact us, share with us their problems and allow us to help.”

 

This effort follows the City’s initial response which engaged in a massive relief and recovery effort, unleashing supplies of water, ice, meals, and other necessities to those affected by the storm.  Miami Recovers is a multi-pronged approach to recovery following Hurricane Wilma, featuring:

 

• The creation of a multi-agency task force to coordinate post hurricane assistance efforts.

• A public information campaign consisting of public service announcements and other collateral material – including flyers, brochures and handouts – to make all city residents aware of available recovery information and points of distribution. 

• The establishment of a special housing fund that protects low and moderate income tenants from being evicted and face the possibility of homelessness after a disaster.

 

Residents should call 305-960-4640 to contact the City of Miami directly on disaster relief benefits they may be eligible for, allowing the City to both act as a liaison with other authorities and offer its own programs.  Information points will also be set up at city Neighborhood Enhancement Team (N.E.T) offices - one-stop resource centers where city residents can call to obtain information on all recovery assistance efforts from all sources.

 

Understanding that information distribution is crucial, Miami Recovers will use a coordinated effort from multiple city departments including communications, solid waste, NET, community development, building and others.  Distribution will also be made through partnerships with Dade County Public Schools, the City’s faith-based community and South Florida Workforce.

 

To aid residents in claiming federal benefits, FEMA will deploy 80 community relations outreach officers to travel through city neighborhoods assisting residents.  The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) will also deploy field officers to assist with aid to affected small businesses.

 

Among the federal benefits that residents are entitled to include:

 
• Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)

• Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)

• Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)

• Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)

• Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $1.5 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)

• Loans up to $1.5 million for small businesses that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster's adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $1.5 million. ( Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)

• Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and agriculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency , U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)

• Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters.

 

The State of Florida is also providing the following programs:

 

• CFO Insurance / Unemployment Benefits

• Department of Children and Families Food Stamps

• State of Florida Bridge Loan program for affected businesses

 

Miami Recovers will be an ongoing effort in the coming months, expanding its scope to meet future needs.  Examples of the coordination promised by Miami Recovers include a roof replacement campaign to aid those who do not qualify for federal roof replacement aid.  Additionally, the City’s Homeless Outreach program is currently providing assistance to displaced individuals and families.

 

Mayor Diaz is also in contact with the Florida Bankers Association requesting that banks develop options to avoid foreclosures on properties affected by the storm. He has already requested that Florida Power & Light waive late payment fees for those severely affected by the storm.

 

 

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