Facebook

Hurricane Harvey RelIef

- Education & Ministries

Your Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham rector, Fr. Hough IV and parish cares about you and your needs during this time of devastation. Let us embrace one another in the spirit of Christ's Works of Mercy as together we pray for and serve all who suffer.

Memorial Assistance Ministries Assistance MAM - Rent and Other Financial Aid Special Hours Sunday and Labor Day to Help

American Red Cross Aid and Resources for Everything Harvey
Click above for help

Follows is from Marilyn Spradling from State Representative Sarah Davis

Dear Friends,

Now that the worst of the weather is behind us, we can focus on rebuilding. I send this e-mail with that goal in mind. This email contains a great deal of information, but I hope you find it helpful during your recovery process.
For continuous updates, please follow me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/sarahd avisrep134/ or on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/sarahfo rHD134/
At this time, the District Office located on Bellaire Blvd is closed until Tuesday, September 5, 2017. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected].
CLAIMS FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE
FEMA
Apply for FEMA aide at www.disasterassistance.gov or (800) 621-3362.
Have this information ready when you apply:
            Social Security number
            Address of the damaged home or apartment
            Description of the damage
            Information about insurance coverage
            Telephone number
            Mailing address
            Bank account & routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
Commonly Asked Questions about FEMA
Q. How do I apply for FEMA disaster assistance?
A. You can apply at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you have a speech disability or hearing impairment and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.
Q. What happens after I apply for disaster assistance?
A. FEMA will mail you a copy of your application and a copy of Help After a Disaster: Applicant's Guide to the Individuals and Households Program that will answer many of your questions.

If you do not have insurance: An inspector will contact you after you apply to schedule a time to meet you at your damaged home.

If you have insurance: You need to file your insurance claim and provide FEMA with a decision letter (settlement or denial) from your insurance company before FEMA issues an inspection.

◦                        There is an exception for damages caused by flooding; if you have flood insurance, FEMA will issue an inspection before receiving a copy of your flood insurance decision letter to evaluate your eligibility for temporary living expenses since these are not covered by flood insurance.

About 10 days after the inspection FEMA will decide if you qualify for assistance. If so, FEMA will send you a check by mail (or direct deposit) with an explanation of what the money covers (i.e. rent or home repair).

If FEMA determines that you are ineligible for any reason, you will receive a letter and be given a chance to appeal. Appeals must be in writing and mailed within 60 days of the determination. Read the letter carefully for the reason of ineligibility before filing your appeal.

If you get a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan application in the mail, you must complete and return it to be considered for a loan or certain types of grant assistance, such as transportation, personal property, and moving and storage.

Q. Why didn’t I receive rental assistance when my home can’t be lived in?
A. If you cannot live in your home because of disaster damage and you did not receive rental assistance, please contact FEMA to check on your status. It could be that during the inspection you indicated that you were unwilling to relocate. If so, FEMA would not move forward to issuing a rental assistance check for you to move to another location.
Q. I received a rental assistance check, how do I find a new place to rent?
A. The FEMA Housing Portal is intended to help individuals and families, who have been displaced by a disaster, find a place to live. The portal consolidates rental resources to help individuals and families find available rental units in their area. This information can be accessed by visiting www.fema.gov and searching “Housing Portal,” or by calling 800-621-3362.
Q. Will my family get assistance faster if we each apply separately?
A. No. If two members of the same household apply for the same damaged home, FEMA assistance could actually be delayed. If more than one member of a household has applied, the additional registrants should call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362 to withdraw their applications. Once this occurs, the original registration for the household can be processed for assistance.
Q. If I received a settlement from my insurance but still have additional needs, what can I do?
A. As soon as you receive an insurance settlement, you should provide a copy to FEMA and identify any unmet needs you have. Although FEMA cannot duplicate benefits that your insurance provided, FEMA may be able to assist you with lost essential items not covered by insurance and can also help you find resources through other recovery partners.
Q. Why did I get a different amount of home repair assistance than my neighbor?
A. Each survivor’s case is unique. There are several factors involved, including insurance status and the extent and type of damage found during the home inspection.
If you feel that the assistance you received does not cover your needs – for example, the funding you received for repairs are less than the estimates you’ve received from contractors and you have not yet met the FEMA maximum grant – you can appeal.
Q. Will FEMA provide additional rental assistance beyond the initial assistance period if I still cannot return to my home?
A. Rental assistance can be provided for up to 18 months from the date of declaration while you are setting up your permanent housing plan. After your initial period of assistance, you will be sent a letter on how to “recertify” if you need additional rental assistance.
Q. Could FEMA assistance affect my Social Security benefits, federal taxes, food stamp (SNAP) eligibility, or Medicaid?
A. No. FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income.
Q. I've already cleaned up the damage to my home and made repairs. Is it too late to register once the work is done?
A. No. You may be eligible for reimbursement of your cleanup and repair costs, even if repairs are complete. The important thing is to document the expenses you incur. It is a good idea to take before-and-after photos for your records.
Q. If I received disaster assistance last year, could I get it again this year?
A. Assistance may be available if you also suffered damages from a previously federally declared disaster.
Q. My child is a U.S. citizen, but I am not. Can I apply for FEMA disaster assistance?
A. If anyone in an affected household is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien (a “Green Card” holder), they are eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. If a minor child is eligible by these criteria, even when other members of the family are not, the family can file an application on the child’s behalf. In this case, all identification documents have to be in the child’s name and Social Security number. The copy of the child’s Social Security card and birth certificate are acceptable verification. This information can be mailed to FEMA or brought to a Disaster Recovery Center.
Renters displaced by Harvey may be eligible for federal disaster assistance, including grants from FEMA and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
FEMA offers eligible renters grants for rental assistance. These grants help pay for temporary housing while a damaged home or apartment is being repaired.
Eligible renters may receive grant under FEMA’s “Other Needs Assistance Program.” These grants help uninsured or underinsured survivors with expenses and serious needs including:

Child care

Moving and storage expenses

Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses

Disaster-related dental and medical expenses, such as wheelchairs, canes and prescription drugs

Repair or replacement of storm-damaged personal property, including furniture and appliances, as well as job-related tools and equipment required by the self-employed

Primary vehicles, and approved second or modified vehicles damaged by the disaster

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans with rates that remain the same for the life of the loan. Renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property, including automobiles.Applicants may apply online for an SBA loan using the electronic loan application at the secure website DisasterLoan.sba.gov/e la.
FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.
Those needing help for a business, local government, or community can find other resources that are not just for individuals here:
https://www.disasterassistance .gov/get-assistance/other-reco very-help
TWIA
TWIA policyholders that sustain windstorm damage can file claims by:
- Calling TWIA’s 24-hour Claims Center at 800-788-8247
- Visiting TWIA.org/claimscenter (Click on Get Started to be directed to the Claims Center login webpage, and then click “New User Registration” to create your profile and password if filing online for the first time. Policyholders will need a policy number to register.)
- Contacting your agent.
Learn more about the TWIA claims process at TWIA.org/claimscenter
For more information on Texas's disaster recovery, visit https://www.fema.gov/hur ricane-harvey
HOUSE BILL 1774
There has been a huge amount of misinformation circulating about House Bill 1774 as it relates to catastrophic events like we are experiencing due to Harvey. House Bill 1774 does not change the insurance claims process. A person making a claim with his/her insurance company after September 1, 2017 will go through the same process as a person making a claim before September 1, 2017.
The new law applies only to a lawsuit filed against an insurance company by a policyholder. Lawsuits are the exception, not the rule. The vast majority of Houstonians will go through the regular insurance claims process without needing to file a lawsuit.
Texans continue to have the strongest consumer protections in the nation against insurance companies. This includes the full recovery of amounts owed under an insurance policy, plus penalty interest, court costs, and attorneys’ fees. Additionally, if the insurance company acts fraudulently or in bad faith, Texans may recover triple the amount of their actual damages, which is unchanged by the new law.
The primary purpose of the new law is to require written notice before the filing of a lawsuit. Nothing in the new law requires that the initial insurance claims be made in writing or by a specific date.  Furthermore, the new law will not apply to most claims arising from Harvey, because most of the policyholders’ claims will be for damage caused by flooding. These claims will be under the federal flood insurance program and governed by federal law. Similarly, the new law will not apply to lawsuits pursued against the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), because it is governed by an entirely different statute.
ACCOMODATIONS
For those needing a place to stay:
Here is a list of participating hotels with the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program.
http://www.femaevachotels.com/
Temporary lodging is also available on the Airbnb website through their Disaster Response Program; available for a limited time only.
https://www.airbnb.com/disaste r/hurricaneharveyevacuees
Updated list of shelters:  http://harrisrecovery.org/four -red-cross-shelters-announced/

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE STAUTS
Residential customers and small businesses can use this website to learn if mail is being delivered, or if their Post Offices are open:
http://about.usps.com/news/ser vice-alerts/welcome.htm
Those looking to see where government-issued checks might be held can go here. If the zip isn't listed, then checks will be delivered as they regularly are... (all zip codes in House District 134 are all receiving them as you normally would) : http://about.usps.com/news/s tate-releases/tx/2017/tx_2017_ 0831.htm
TRANSPORTATION
Travel is still highly discouraged in affected areas until conditions improve. If you must drive or evacuate an area, please stay alert and be aware of distracted drivers. Remember, it is against Texas law to drive around barricades at flooded roads.
TxDOT continues to update its DriveTexas.org website to reflect changes to state road conditions throughout Texas. More than 2,200 TxDOT employees – and more than 1,800 pieces of equipment – are on the ground monitoring, clearing and repairing more than 400 impacted on-system roads across the region.
Commercial flights to and from Hobby Airport (HOU) and Bush International Airport (IAH) have resumed service.

METRO
Beginning Friday morning, service on half of METRO's local bus routes will be restored.

LEGAL SERVICES
The Houston Bar Association has expanded its LegalLine to assist those impacted by Hurricane Harvey and has set up a toll free number for Texas residents outside the Houston area. Beginning Tuesday, September 5 through Friday, September 29, the HBA’s LegalLine will have volunteer attorneys answering calls from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The public can call713-759-1133 or toll free at 1-866-959-1133 and speak to volunteer attorneys who will answer their questions, provide brief legal advice and refer them to appropriate resources for help.HISD
The first day of school for Houston Independent School District students will be Monday, Sept. 11, weather and facility conditions permitting. HISD is currently assessing any damages to our schools. In addition, HISD will be relaxing its uniform policy until January 2018.
HISD’s administrative buildings will reopen starting on Tuesday Sept. 5. School principals and their administrative staffs will also return to work starting on Tuesday Sept. 5. Teachers and all other staff will report back on Friday, Sept. 8, to prepare to receive students before classes begin on Sep. 11. For continuing updates, please visit www.HoustonISD.org, or call the HISD Inclement Weather Hotline at 713-556-9595. You can sign up for HISD text message alerts to receive updates on school weather conditions by texting YES to 68453. You also can follow the district on Twitter and Facebook: twitter.com/houstonisdand facebook.com/houstonisd.
HARRIS COUNTY
Find info on registering flood damage with the County, finding a towed car, registering for cleanup assistance, FEMA assistance, scam info, etc. here: http://harrisrecovery.or g/
Harris County Precincts and the Harris County Residential Debris and Damage Assessment teams are conducting debris clearance in unincorporated areas of the County affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Debris will be cleared from major Harris County roadways to allow emergency response vehicles to pass through the area to support life-safety operations. Debris clearance will only be conducted in unincorporated areas where high water has receded.
Once emergency roadway clearance is completed, Harris County Precincts and the Residential Debris and Damage Assessment teams will begin debris pick-up operations for residential subdivisions.
If you are in the process of clean-up and debris removal from your property, please take precautions to prevent disaster-related casualties and fatalities.

Be aware of damaged water, gas, and electric lines.

Be aware of damaged building and construction materials.

Do not attempt to conduct major tree work or reconstruction without proper equipment, permits, and training.

Be aware of household hazardous waste and contaminants.

Report any hazardous materials spills to: Harris County Pollution Control Services Department at 713-920-2831.

For additional information about debris separation and debris removal, please call the Harris County Residential Debris and Damage Assessment Hotline 713-274-3880.
In an effort to assist residents affected by the recent disaster in our area, certain Harris County Public Library branches will be open for emergency relief purposes.
Below is a list of library branches and the openings dates and hours.
Hours: (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

Friday, September 1st

Saturday, September 2nd

Tuesday, September 5th - Saturday, September 9th

List of branches:

Administration Branch

Aldine Branch Library

Atascocita Branch Library

Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library

Crosby - Edith Fae Cook Cole Branch Library

Evelyn Meador Branch LibraryFairbanks Branch Library

Galena Park Branch Library

High Meadows Branch Library

Jacinto City Branch Library

Katy Branch Library

La Porte Branch Library

Maud Smith Marks Branch Library

North Channel Branch Library

Northwest Branch Library

Octavia Fields Branch Library

Parker Williams Branch Library

South Houston Branch Library

Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library

West University Branch Library

*Available services and allotted time frames for specific services (i.e. internet use) will be posted at each facility. Please see branch staff for questions.
Below you will find important steps to take post flood as well as phone numbers that may help as you rebuild.

Consult with a licensed electrician regarding electricity in your home.

You must take pictures of the damage to your home. Remember to photograph everything, including serial numbers.

Contact your insurance company (Flood, Homeowners, Auto) and the city you live in to inform them of flooding.

Contact FEMA. There are several programs available to Harvey survivors.

The cities have begin the trash cleanup process for our neighborhoods. Remove all items damaged by water. This includes wood floors, carpets, baseboards, sheetrock (remove 18 inches above the water mark) and any furniture touched by the water. Mold can set into the wet materials within 48 hours. If space allots, place all belongings which you wish to keep in the backyard. All remediation debris and trash should be placed between the sidewalk and the street so that the solid waste department can reach it for pick up. Debris should be separated into 3 piles for pickup: heavy/junk, electronics, and tree debris. Hazardous waste such as paint and other chemicals will not be picked up and should be taken to the Environmental Service Center at 11500 S. Post Oak Rd. Houston, TX 77035

There will be increased mosquitos as well as wildlife attracted to the debris. Please make sure to get plenty of repellant.

As items are being put out to the curb, we are having an uptick in scavengers. Please if you see people going through the debris piles tell them to leave. You may need to have your insurance inspector review the piles contents for your claim.

There is currently a curfew in place for the cities of Bellaire, Houston, and West University place from12:00 AM- 5:00 AM

CITY OF HOUSTON
Disaster debris from Hurricane Harvey will be collected on an ongoing basis until all material has been collected. Please place your debris at the curb as soon as possible. Instructions on placing and separating storm debris to facilitate pickup >
Normal garbage collection schedules resumed Thursday, August 31^st. Please note that no collection will take place on Monday, September 4th, in observance of Labor Day. Monday's collection will take place on Tuesday, September 5th.
Recycling, yard waste, and junk waste collection has been temporarily suspended until further notice as all related personnel are assigned to disaster debris collections.
CITY OF BELLAIRE
City crews were unable to complete the collection of Solid Waste in Section E yesterday. While Mimosa, Maple, and Holt were collected for this section, the remaining streets will be picked up today, Friday, September 1. The service area for Section E is from the south side of Bellaire Blvd. to the southern City limit and from the west side of IH610 to S. Rice Ave.
Solid Waste Services are also scheduled for collection in Sections C and D (both inside the Loop) for today.
City crews will continue through the weekend to pick up regular household trash for those households east of Loop 610 (Solid Waste Areas C & D). There will be no trash pickup in the City on the Labor Day holiday, Monday, September 4, 2017. Regular scheduled solid waste service will resume on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Please continue to separate your household trash from debris.
Please be aware that the City will be unable to collect storm related construction debris, appliances, furniture, etc. This type of storm related material will be collected by a Debris Management contractor as has been done in past storm and flooding events.
The City is presently working with this contractor to develop a schedule for this work and we will pass this information on to you as soon as it is available.
The Nature Discovery Center is offering free day camp for kids ages 5 to 10 for families affected by Hurricane Harvey and families of first responders who came to their aid.
Camps will be Thursday Aug 31, Friday Sept 1, and Saturday Sept 2. 9am to 5:30pm.
Register here https://goo.gl/forms/Zhkc QIEODC48jI7Z2
If you or someone you know who was affected by this historic storm would appreciate some valuable time for their kids, please register for this Day Camp and/or share this information. There is no charge. You need not be a member to register. For more information:
naturediscoverycenter.org
713-667-6550
[email protected] g
The City of Bellaire will assist with the process of repairing your home following the recent flood damage.   There is a necessary process for issuing permits for reconstructions and repairs. City permit and inspection fees will be suspended for this flood event. The City has the applications for permits available online [here ]. The following provides details to assist you in navigating the permit process:
Repairs

Permits are not required for “make safe” or demolition of flooded material

Citizens need to register online with FEMA for flood plains. This can be done online [here]

Permit are required for flood repairs, including smaller items like paint/flooring

◦                        Apply to the City for a permit
◦                        NO FEES
◦                        Permit Office located on first floor of City Hall, 7008 S. Rice Av.
◦                        All necessary forms at Permit Office
Reconstruction

Permit applications for reconstruction require additional documentation.

                          A scope of repairs, or written bid/contract will suffice, must include explanation of costs associated with work. The Appraisal District maintains a public database for this information regarding home valuation. Please print the page for your address, and provide it to the City.
Inspection

Depending on the scope of work, the City may require an inspection prior to issuing a permit. The City will expedite this step as quickly as possible.   There are no fees for reconstruction permits. The above procedures exist to protect you and your fellow citizens. The City ensures adequate contractor information is on file to prevent predatory contractors from defrauding needy individuals. Likewise, the City’s flood protection plan requires the City to follow certain regulations for flood repair permits.

The Fire Chief and Building Official have prepared a short list of concerns that they feel people should keep in mind.
As recovery begins, caution is needed! The process of removing sheetrock (using crowbars, hammers and ripping sheets off the wall) can lead to damage to electrical wiring. This damage increases the likelihood of electrical short and potential fire. Electrical outlets that sustained water damage must be replaced or thoroughly dry before use. Cords that serve electrical devices like fans, compressors, dehumidifiers, etc., along with extension cords are all subject to increase wear from foot traffic. Check these cords, looking for frayed or missing insulation or warm spots along the length of the cord. If found, discontinue use.
Personal injury from minor cuts, scrapes and infection is a real possibility. Bellaire Fire Department Medical Director has advised Bellaire Fire Department to use a skin cleanser and antiseptic such as Hibiclens for these injuries at the time of the injury. As always, seek medical attention if the affected becomes infected.
Many of the homes in Bellaire are constructed above the ground with a hollow “crawl space” under the living area of the home. If the water got high enough, it could have gotten the insulation in this area wet, possibly leading to mold and mildew problems. Make sure that if you got water in your garage, you check your crawlspace insulation to see if it is damp. Depending on the type of insulation, water damaged material may need to be replaced or de-humidified. Your repair contractor can provide you with more information.
Out of state contractors are free to work on most repairs in Texas without a license. It is important to know that state law and city ordinances prohibit anyone from doing electrical or plumbing work without a State of Texas license. Please make sure that anyone doing work for you can provide a copy of their license.
Don’t forget that permits are required once you start replacing material. The City Permit Office will open on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 8:30am to 4:00pm to begin accepting permit applications. Stay safe, and if you have any questions about the repair process or safety, reach out to the City at 713-662-8230.
Solid waste and Debris:
The City is hoping to resume trash pick-up by this Friday with the debris contractors in operation sometime next week. Flooded landfills and the inability of workers to arrive on site have hampered this service. If you do place items on the curb, please separate trash bags from debris.
Water and Wastewater:
The City’s water supply is safe to use! You are asked to be conservative in flushing until the waste water system has fully recovered. Yards have had plenty of rain, so please turn off your sprinkler systems.
Notify Me:
Want to receive the latest information from the City? Sign up for Notify Me at the link provided. You will then get the City’s messages as soon as they are released.
MEYERLAND
The MCIA office is currently open and resuming operations.
For Appointments, please visit: https://mciaplanreview.youcanb ook.me/
For general information, please visit: www.meyerland.net
Office Hours: M-TH 9AM-2:30PM Fri 9AM-12PM
In partnership with URJ Greene Family Camp and Congregation Emanu El Houston, J Camps will be running Hurricane Harvey Houston Day Camp, a program for those who need childcare while taking care of the devastation in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. It will be at Congregation Emanu El (1500 Sunset Boulevard. Houston, Texas 77005) beginning on Thursday, August 31st at 8am.
This program is a great way for children to get a chance to have fun with other kids from across Houston, while giving parents the time and space to take care of their homes, cars, and other responsibilities they may have after this tragic week.
The Day Camp will be open to children who are potty-trained through middle school. We will have three units: Preschool, Elementary and Middle School, and the campers will be sorted into "bunks." A day will consist of time with their bunks, arts and crafts, sports, and other fun games and programs.
The day will run from 8 AM until 5 PM. We will be providing three meals a day, including a breakfast and dinner that entire families are invited to attend. In the coming days, we also hope to bring supplies at pick-up and drop-off that will help you and your family recover from the storm.
The program is staffed by teachers, camp professionals, and parent and high school volunteers from around the area. We will also have security on site.
If you are interested in having your children join us, please enroll your children using this form.
If you are interested in volunteering, or have a high school or college student that is interested in volunteering, check out more information here and sign up using this form.
As a reminder, URJ Greene Family Camp is still open for those who need a place to stay. Please give us a call at 254-859-5411 and fill out this form.
CITY OF SOUTHSIDE PLACE
Sanitation – On Friday, September 1 all residential streets will be collected. City offices will be closed on Monday, September 4. No sanitation collection on Labor Day. Sanitation collection for all streets will occur on Tuesday, September 5. The regular sanitation route and collection dates resume on Thursday, September 7.
Recycle – Wednesday, September 6 resumes the regular city schedule.
City Hall is open today and police/fire personnel are available with any assistance needs.
Please report any storm damage or water infiltration at your residence or business to the city at 713-668-2341.
CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE
The West University Place Police Department will place your home on a special watch if it is vacant and has been affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Please complete the online house watch form. In the note section please state “Storm Damage”. Please provide us with a phone number to contact you by and an estimated return date to your home.
If you had municipal court scheduled for 08/29/17 it has now been rescheduled for 09/26/17 at 6pm. Contact: Gaby Perez, Municipal Court Clerk 713.662.5825 Tiffany Poke, Senior Court/Collection Clerk 713.662.5854 Fax 713.662.5804.
City Services resumed and all City Buildings opened for normal hours on Thursday August 31, 2017, but City Administration offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2017. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Beginning Thursday August 31, 2017 the City will be resuming normal household trash collection on your normal schedules Thursday and Friday of this week. Despite upcoming Labor Day holiday, trash, recycling, and yard waste will be collected per the normal schedule next week.
If you are clearing any storm debris please be reminded to obtain photographic documentation of the damage prior to moving it and please do NOT place it curbside at this time. The City is presently conducting the damage assessment to give you and your contractor adequate time to remove the damaged material.
The first sweep of our storm debris collection is scheduled for the week of September 11, 2017. There will be a second and final collection approximately 2 to 3 weeks after the first collection for any remaining debris.
Please ensure that all storm related debris is kept separated from your regular household trash, recycling and yard waste. Do not place any debris in the street.
I hope you and your families and friends have a safe weekend.

Sarah Davis

State accepting applications for Harvey-related workers’ aid

State accepting applications for Harvey-related workers’ aid http://www.statesman.com/business/state-accepting-applications-for-harvey-related-workers-aid/QLodNKPzTfwJwgxKC6ehKJ/

The Texas Workforce Commission on Monday said it has started accepting applications for disaster-related unemployment benefits to aid workers who lost jobs or self-employed individuals who were unable to work because of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Harvey.

The disaster unemployment assisnce is available to individuals in the 18 counties identified under President Donald Trump’s Aug. 25 disaster declaration, the commission said. Workers can apply for benefits online or by calling 1-800-939-6631 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

While the benefits aren’t available to all workers in the hurricane-stricken counties, workforce officials “encourage everyone who has lost wages due to being displaced from the storm to apply for unemployment insurance benefits and let the (workforce commission) review the circumstances of their unemployment situation,” spokeswoman Lisa Givens said in an email.

In some cases, workers can receive benefits for a short period of unemployment, Givens noted, but eligibility is determined by individual circumstances.

A claim begins the week of the application, retroactive to that Sunday. Unemployed or underemployed workers should not wait until they return to work to apply.

FEMA Immediate Assistance

Apply for Assistance

This page provides information and guidance for disaster survivors who want to apply for assistance related to a federally declared disaster. It inlcudes a link to complete an application for FEMA assistance, a list of items you need when you apply for FEMA assistance, and the phone number for FEMA if you cannot complete an application online. If you need immediate assistance call 911.

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for assistance online. If you experience difficulty applying online, you may also call (800) 621-3362 / TTY (800) 462-7585 to apply during standard hours of operation (7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time), 7 days a week. You can also check your application status at DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors have 60-days from the date of a declaration for Individual Assistance to apply for assistance.Apply Now

Please note that if you are eligible for an Individual Assistance grant you are not required to pay back the grant to FEMA. There is no income threshold for Individual Assistance grants, but you may be referred to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low interest disaster loan to assist in your recovery. These low interest disaster loans for homeowners and businesses from the SBA must be repaid.

Documents And Materials You Need To Apply

When you register for disaster assistance either online or by phone, you will need the following to complete your application.

Social Security number
Address of the location where the damage occured (pre-disaster address)
Current mailing address
Current telephone number
Insurance information
Total household annual income
Routing and account number for your checking or savings account (this allows FEMA to directly transfer disaster assistance funds into your bank account).
A description of your disaster-caused damage and losses

Additional Information

Visit the Individual Disaster Assistance page on this site for the following information:

The types of assistance FEMA provides to individuals and families
What happens if you have insurance
What happens during your home inspection
What happens after your inspection
How to obtain a copy of your application/case file
How to appeal FEMA's decision regarding your assistance

Please watch our video: FEMA Registration Intake Video

To determine if your damaged home is in a Federally declared disaster area please visit the Disaster Declarations page on this site. You can also enter your address on DisasterAssistance.gov/address-lookup to determine if your home is in an area declared for Individual Assistance.

Last Updated:
02/28/2017 - 14:30

Navigation
Search
Languages

Volunteer & Donate Responsibly

Main Content

Volunteer & Donate Responsibly

This page outlines the best ways you can assist individuals and communities who are impacted by a disaster.

Expand All Sections

Overview

When disaster strikes, every little bit helps. To make the most of your contributions, consider these tips for donating and volunteering responsibly:

Cash is the most efficient method of donating. Cash offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover. Remember, unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.
Donate through a trusted organization. At the national level, many voluntary-, faith- and community-based organizations are active in disasters, and are trusted ways to donate to disaster survivors. In addition to the national members, each state has its own list of voluntary organizations active in disasters. If you’d like to donate or volunteer to assist those affected by disaster, these organizations are the best place to start.
Affiliate with existing non-profit organizations before coming to the disaster area. Immediately following a disaster, a community can become easily overwhelmed by the amount of generous people who want to help. Contacting and affiliating with an established organization will help to ensure that you are appropriately trained to respond in the most effective way.
Be safe. Do not self deploy until a need has been identified and the local community impacted has requested support. Wait until it is safe to travel to volunteer sites and opportunities have been identified. Once assigned a position, make sure you have been given an assignment and are wearing proper safety gear for the task.
Be patient. Recovery lasts a lot longer than the media attention. There will be volunteer needs for many months, often years, after the disaster - especially when the community enters the long-term recovery period.

Volunteer

Volunteer with a recognized organization involved in disaster response and recovery prior to the next disaster event.

Volunteer with a non-profit organization and be trained before the next event to find meaningful volunteer opportunities following a disaster.
There are many organizations and faith-based groups in your community that have active disaster programs and need volunteers
These groups offer a wide range of services following a disaster:

www.nvoad.org
www.serve.gov
www.citizencorps.gov

Donate Cash

A financial contribution to a recognized disaster relief organization is the most effective donation to make. When the public supports these voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need after a disaster.

Most needed and the most efficient way of helping those impacted by disaster.
Allow voluntary organizations to fund response and recovery efforts, obtain goods and services locally, and provide direct financial assistance to disaster survivors to meet their own needs.
Make a financial contribution to the voluntary organization of your choice.
If you need help in determining who to give to, the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website has a list of major non-profits active in disaster work or contact your FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison for guidance.

Donate Goods

Confirm what is needed BEFORE taking action!

Donate in-kind goods that are specifically requested or needed by recognized organizations.
Unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.
Confirm the needs by contacting the voluntary organization of your choice before starting to collect.
If you have a quantity of a given item or class of item to donate, and you need help in determining which organizations to give to, contact your FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison for guidance.

Centerpoint Energy - Delayed Payment Due until September 30 for those who had to evacuate their Homes

YOU Account extension through September 30

We know a number of our customers have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey, and we want you to have one less thing to worry about:

We will waive deposits for new accounts through September 30th for those relocating due to the storm.
Through September 30th we will be waiving natural gas disconnections.

Please note, we continue to assess damages to our natural gas system. Where we find flood-damaged equipment we may need to interrupt your service to safely make repairs.

Know that we are all in this together.

Texas Taxpayers Affected by Hurricane Harvey Now Eligible for Relief

On August 29, the IRS announced that many taxpayers affected by Hurricane Harvey may qualify for tax relief following the storm's unprecedented devastation.

As Texas begins to recover and rebuild its coastline communities, we want to help those impacted by Harvey understand the tax relief to which they may be entitled. The IRS has stated:

If you had a filing extension due to run out on Oct. 16, 2017, that deadline is now Jan. 31, 2018.

If you had quarterly estimated payments due on Sept. 15, 2017 and Jan. 16, 2018, you now have until Jan. 31, 2018 to make those payments.

401(k)s—and similar employee-sponsored retirement plans—can quickly make loans and hardship distributions¹ to aid victims and their families. These funds can be withdrawn without penalty.

The counties currently entitled to this relief are: Aransas, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Harris, Jackson, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria and Wharton.²Affected taxpayers will receive this relief automatically, so there's no need to contact the IRS to have it applied.

Through the toughest of times, the Texan spirit consistently endures and perseveres. As your trusted tax resource 365 days a year, TaxAct is here to help in any way we can—our thoughts and heartfelt support are with you and your community.

Visit the IRS information page to learn more about tax relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

¹ Hardship withdrawals must be made by Jan. 31, 2018. ² Taxpayers in counties added to the disaster area at a later date will automatically be eligible for the same payment and filing relief.

Prayer for Hurricane Season

Prayer for Hurricane Season

- Fr. Al Volpe, Cameron Parish, LA

O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its former quietude; you are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control. The Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster. During this hurricane season, we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf, so that spared from the calamities common to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a storm-less eternity awaits us. Amen.

Originally dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Audrey in 1957.

Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/prayers/catholic/violence-disasters/prayer-for-hurricane-season.aspx#wwA1zwACHbLJR2ih.99