July 16, 2021
Dear Friends,
Yesterday, the federal government officially approved the state’s request for a disaster declaration and ordered federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas of Wayne and Washtenaw Counties affected by severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes from June 25 to June 26, 2021. This is very good news for our communities who were severely impacted by the flooding that took place.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
Individual Assistance
FEMA’s Individual Assistance mission ensures disaster survivors have timely access to a full range of authorized programs and services to maximize recovery through partnered coordination of STTL governments, as well as other federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Click here to read a Fact Sheet about Individual Assistance Programs.
Sequence of Delivery
Click here to view an Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Sequence of Delivery Fact Sheet that outlines the order in which funding will be distributed and to whom.
Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants
FEMA’s hazard mitigation assistance provides funding for eligible mitigation measures that reduce disaster losses, reduces vulnerability of communities to disasters and their effects, and more. Click here to view a pamphlet on these grants, including a FAQ and additional resource links.
The State Emergency Relief program provides immediate help to families and individuals facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. It is available to eligible residents that need help with home repairs necessary to correct unsafe conditions and restore essential services.
Applicants must be the owner or purchaser of the home and meet other eligibility requirements, including income limits, to qualify.
The lifetime maximum amount of funds available for non-energy related home repairs is $1,500 per household. State Emergency Relief Program assistance is available for repairs not covered by homeowner’s insurance for the basic house structure, hot water heater, septic/waste disposal system, doors/windows, extermination services, electrical, plumbing, roofs and wells.
To apply for State Emergency Relief, visit Michigan.gov/MIBridges. Anyone who does not have internet access or needs assistance applying can contact their local MDHHS office. Or call 2-1-1 to be referred to other community resources.
Wayne Metro is accepting applications for emergency food and supplies, rent and utility assistance, along with property and income tax assistance. Additionally, Wayne Metro is also accepting applications for the Great Lakes Water Authority WRAP (Water Residential Assistance Program) that provides eligible residents of the GLWA service area with payment assistance and home water conservation services.
Call (313) 388-9799 or visit WayneMetro.org/Programs to find out what relief programs you may be eligible for.
Road conditions
We are seeing reports from MDOT that today’s rain is already causing some roadways to be flooded. You can stay current on roadway conditions today and anytime by checking MDOT’s website here.
Focusing on solutions
My colleagues and I recognize that these types of weather emergencies are occurring more frequently due to climate change, and so we are working hard on legislation to address climate resiliency for our infrastructure in our communities. We are exploring possibilities regarding the creation of a climate resiliency corps to create jobs to assist with climate resiliency projects, and also addressing the need for redundancy and power systems for stormwater pumping stations on our state highways and trunklines. In 2020, I was very pleased to see that Governor Whitmer created a Council on Climate Solutions, and I stand ready to help implement the Council’s recommendations by turning them into legislative priorities.
As always, if my office can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 517-373-7346 or email us at senschang@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 1