8/4/2019 Quick Reference Guide to Hurricane Recovery

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Department of Human ServicesNew Jersey DHS

State/Federal Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are readily accessi-

le facilities in each county that provide information and referral serv-ces to individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Irene. Residents

an speak face-to-face with disaster specialists from State, Federalnd community-based organizations about assistance opportunitiesnd any benefits for which they may be eligible. Check your county

website or call 211 from any phone to locate a DRC near you.

NJ211.org (www.nj211.org) is an informational hotline that can be di-aled from any phone and available online, searchable social service

directory with chat function. THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATIONCAN BE FOUND IN THE NJ 2-1-1 HURRICANE RELIEF ANDRECOVERY ASSISTANCE GUIDE. Find information there aboutcounty and municipal resources, FEMA declaration and how toapply, clean-up precautions, how-to instructions and more.

I DISASTER ASSISTANCE/FEMA (www.disasterassistance.gov)Following approval by the federal government of New Jerseys

request for disaster assistance, direct federal disaster relief is nowavailable to New Jerseyans in all 21 counties who have been im-

pacted by Hurricane Irene. New Jersey residents and small busi-nesses in all counties are now eligible to apply for different types offederal assistance, including temporary housing, repair, replacement

or other needs such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and

Small Business Administration disaster loans. Survivors of Hurri-cane Irene in every New Jersey county who suffered damage shouldapply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Manage-ment Agency even if they have insurance or arent sure they areeligible.

DISASTER SNAP (DSNAP) for residents who are not currentlySNAP recipients and who have hurricane-related expenses beyond

the loss of food due to power outages may apply for benefits at theircounty welfare agency or alternate sites, as designated by their

county.

NJ SNAP (www.njfoodstamps.com) gives eligibility requirementsand provides an application for food assistance, which is availableto low-income households including families, couples without chil-

dren, individuals, seniors, disabled persons, legal immigrant and vic-tims of family violence. When you apply online, you also can chooseto apply for welfare and/or Medicaid health insurance programs at

the same time.

End Hunger N J.org (www.endhungernj.org) helping individuals andfamilies locate food assistance at food pantries and/or soupkitchens. The site also provides nutritional advice and information

about food safety.

HEALTHThe Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has op

a Call Center to provide callers with public health information reto Hurricane Irene and subsequent flooding. Health experts willguidance on the prevention and treatment of mold growth in flo

homes and businesses, drinking water and food safety after poutages and other health protection information. To reach h

experts in the Call Center, the toll free number is: 1-866-234-0

Hours of operation are: 8 AM- 8 PM Monday Friday.

HOUSINGI The NJ H ousing Resource Center (www.njhousing.gov) is an o

tool for listing affordable housing, helping people with disabilitie

housing and finding housing information.

I The Homelessness Prevention Program provides short term atance to applicants meeting the programs eligibility guidelinesrenters facing eviction, go to www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/

offices/hpp.html. For homeowners facing foreclosure, g

www.nj.gov/foreclosuremediation/index.htmlor call 1-888-989-5

MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICESI Disaster Mental Health Helpline at 877294HELP (4357) pro

trained clinically supervised telephone specialists who are ava

24 hours a day, 7 days a week to educate, assist, interview arefer individuals experiencing post-disaster emotions. Calls areand information shared is confidential.

I Disaster Recovery Crisis Counselors are available upon co

request to areas impacted by Hurricane Irene.

Produced by DHS Office of Publications 9/2011

Quick Reference Guideto Hurricane Recovery