How do you find help after Hurricane Ida?

 

How do you find help after Hurricane Ida?

If you've been affected by a storm, here's everything you need to know about federal, state, and local resources.

Hurricane Ida rushed ashore on August 28, hitting Louisiana as it made its way inland 16 years ago—to this day—as Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc in the Bayou State. The violent storm was so powerful that it reversed the flow of the Mississippi River.

The next day, President Joe Biden declared Louisiana a central disaster area and provided additional federal assistance to the site. Suppose you have been affected by the storm. In that case, you can apply for federal disaster relief benefits and the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the Disaster Assistance website. 

There are  other resources available:

American Red Cross shelters

Salvation Army

Resources for Homeless Veterans

American Hospital Finder

food aid

If you're having trouble finding food, the US Food and Nutrition Service provides a contact map of your state and local area to help you find food for you and your family. For confidential support, call 211 or go to 211.org.

Some local organizations have pledged to help:

All hands and hearts

Airlink

Catholic Charities in Acadiana

Home of the New Orleans Humanity District

Relief grill operation

Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans and Acadiana

Mortgage Aid

If Hurricane Ida has damaged your home, contact your homeowner's insurance company as soon as it is safe to do so.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans

The two federally backed mortgage companies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have announced special provisions that allow homeowners to defer mortgage payments in three-month periods for up to 12 months. No late fees during this break from payments and late payments will not be reported to the credit bureaus. You are also not required to reimburse for lump-sum costs upon expiration of the moratorium.

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have created unique resources to help homeowners affected by hurricane damage.

Contact information with the help of FANNIE MAE and FREDDIE MAC

Fannie Mae Freddy Mac

knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup

freddiemac.com/mymortgage mortgage search tool

Telephone assistance 1-800-2FANNIE (1-800-232-6643) 1-800-373-3343

"Together with our mortgage custodians, Freddie Mac stands ready to offer immediate mortgage relief options says Bill Maguire, Vice President of Single-Family Services Portfolio Management at Freddie Mac.

"Once it's safe," McGuire says, homeowners whose homes have been affected should contact a mortgage administrator. This also includes homeowners whose employment has been affected, resulting in financial hardship preventing them from making their monthly payments."

Other Mortgage Resources

If Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae does not back your mortgage, here are some other assistance programs you may qualify for:

Tenant help

Coverage of the renter's insurance policy

The average renter's insurance policy covers the perils that include most storm damage, such as rain, wind, failure, and fire. Damage to personal property, including furniture and electronics, is also usually covered. Some policies offer coverage for additional living expenses. You can also obtain severe flood protection for Hurricane Ida by calling your insurance company and filing a claim.

Rental assistance

 (CDC) the rental moratorium expired August 26, but local programs are still available to provide rent and utility assistance.

Federal ERA Program

The US Treasury's Emergency Assistance Program assists with a variety of expenses beyond your rent. This could include:

Water

electricity

Gas

fuel

Sewage

de-waste

Internet

Reasonable late fees

price change

Other rental fees