Flood Disaster Relief
(Click here for helpful storm information)
Disaster Declaration for Aroostook County
President Bush has signed a major disaster declaration for Aroostook County as a result of the record flooding that struck the County. Assistance has been granted for individuals and businesses. Individuals and business owners can begin the application process immediately by calling 1-800-621-3362; 1-800-462-7585 (TYY). Individuals can also register at www.fema.gov.
The federal assistance may be used for temporary housing, repairs and for disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. FEMA assistance does not typically cover the entire cost to repair storm damage. For people with insurance, the aid may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance. The assistance for individuals will come in the form of grants or low interest SBA loans. SBA loans for uninsured damage or economic injury are available to businesses. People are encouraged to apply for assistance even if they have insurance claims pending.
FEMA and the State are currently conducting assessments of damage to roads and other public infrastructure in several Maine counties including Aroostook. Depending on the results of these assessments, additional assistance may be made available for local governments.
Anyone who has called 211 to report damages should also call FEMA to begin the application process for assistance.
State Financial Regulators Seek Assistance for Flood Victims
The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation is encouraging all banks and credit unions, as well as mortgage companies and other creditors, to work cooperatively with residents impacted by recent severe weather and flooding.
The Department’s Bureau of Financial Institutions and its Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection are also available to assist consumers who need information or help in contacting lenders to revise payment schedules or to discuss other actions that might ease their financial burden.
Regulators urged financial institutions and other creditors to give due consideration to the circumstances surrounding customers who reside in affected regions by avoiding assessment of late fees and other penalties, by delaying foreclosures or repossessions, by considering other forbearance activities, and by adjusting payment plans whenever possible in ways that are consistent with sound banking and financial practices.
If payments will be late, all customers are encouraged to contact their lenders as soon as possible. They are also urged to get in touch with the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation if they have questions or concerns. The Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection can be reached by calling toll-free 1-800-332-8529. The Bureau of Financial Institutions can be contacted by calling 1-800-965-5235.
Red Cross Update
A Red Cross Service Delivery Site has been established in Fort Kent at the Lonesome Pine Trails Ski Lodge (the Ski Tow), offering assistance to displaced residents from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Red Cross case workers are available to meet one on one with those affected by the floods. A personal recovery plan is developed and assistance is provided based on disaster-caused needs such as shelter, food, clothing, prescription medicines/replacement eyeglasses, and certain necessary household items. For those affected by this disaster who are outside the Fort Kent area, Red Cross assistance will be offered on an individual basis. For this, and all disasters, help is always available by phone, 24 hours per day by contacting the American Red Cross Information and Resource Center at 1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636).
Volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering please visit www.volunteermaine.org to register.
About 2-1-1 Maine
2-1-1 is Quick and Easy to Use:
We all know to dial 9-1-1 for medical and health emergencies. We also know to dial 4-1-1 for directory assistance. And now, finding the answers to health and human services information and resources is as quick and easy as dialing 2-1-1 or logging onto 211maine.org.
Toll Free Line: (877) 463-6207
To assist families looking for resources for relatives living in Maine, an instate/out-of-state toll free number has also been activated. This line is staffed 24 hours a day by the 2-1-1 Call Specialists, to provide the same service to the public.
Can't Dial 2-1-1?
On occasion the partners of 2-1-1 Maine will hear from an organization or individual that has had difficulty reaching 2-1-1 Maine. Here are some common problems:
- Certain organizations have telephone software that does not recognize a newly programmed number such as 511 or 2-1-1. If there is a telephone technology person available, check to see that 2-1-1 dialing has been enabled.
- Every major telephone carrier in the state has made 2-1-1 dialing available to its customers. Because the telephone industry is very complex, there are many small providers now operating. If this might be the problem, please have the name of the phone carrier before contacting 2-1-1.
In addition, occasionally, individuals reach the national 2-1-1 information website by mistake (www.211.org) and cannot find appropriate service data. Please remember the 2-1-1 Maine website address is www.211maine.org.
2-1-1 Maine, Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed in partnership with United Ways of Maine and Ingraham to develop a health and human services information and referral service system to serve the entire State of Maine, every day and in times of crisis.
| 2-1-1 Maine, Inc. • 400 Congress Street • P.O. Box 15200, Portland, Maine 04112-5200 | ||
| Telephone: 2-1-1 • E-mail: info@211maine.org | ||
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TTY: 2-1-1 | |
