Full Notification

Fellow Leonians:
 
I hope everyone is getting an opportunity to enjoy at least a portion of the Labor Day Weekend. The purpose of this advisory is to provide an update on FEMA support for those who experienced property damage due to Hurricane Ida.
 
Today, we received confirmation that FEMA has now authorized those in six New Jersey Counties – including Bergen County – for several different types of assistance, including individual assistance. This is the information specific to individual assistance, as provided by Congressman Pascrell:

• “Individuals and Households Program (IHP): IHP Assistance provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. IHP Assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster; it is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts. IHP Assistance is not considered income or a resource when determining eligibility for welfare, income assistance, or income-tested benefit programs that the federal government funds, such as Social Security benefits or disability income. IHP Assistance is also exempt from garnishment or seizure, but this exception does not apply to FEMA recovering assistance received in error or fraud.”

Individuals wishing to apply for FEMA funding can do so in one of the following ways:

• Online: To file a claim online, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov
• App: Potential claimants can download the FEMA app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Phone: To initiate a claim via phone, call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Once submitted, this is also the number to call if you wish to check on the status of  your claim.

Again, claims against your homeowners, renters and/or auto insurance should be your first course of action; FEMA individual assistance grants should also be considered in cases where individuals are either uninsured or underinsured against the losses they have experienced.
 
As indicated in the FEMA guidance, FEMA programs should be considered part of an overall “whole community approach,” which includes governmental entities, faith-based organizations, and the general public. The community has already come generously donated to the residents of Wood Terrace to help them with the heavy damage their homes incurred; a similar campaign has been created for some residents of Lakeview Ave., who experienced similar levels of damage. Again, nobody should consider themselves obligated in any way; however, if you are interested in participating, you can find additional information here.
 
Attached is a FEMA Fact Sheet on the Individual Assistance Program; all who experienced damage due to Hurricane Ida are encouraged to thoroughly review the information in the attachment, so that you can avail yourselves of the resources which have now been made available.
 

• Special Town-Wide Household Trash Pickup: Please don’t forget that there will be a special town-wide household trash pickup on Thursday, September 9. Please ensure that any household trash items (NOT including electronics, appliances, recyclable items or hazardous materials like paint, etc.) are placed on the curb by 7:00 AM for collection.

 Finally, as the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins tonight at sundown, I would like to wish all Leonians who observe a happy, healthy and peaceful new year, to you and to your families.

To all Leonians, as always, if I can do anything to assist, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
 
Judah Zeigler
Mayor
Borough of Leonia
[email protected]