I agree with all of you who haven't gotten FEMA assistance yet. We applied sunday after Rita and the inspector showed up on monday! I was floored. He looked at everything including the 3 trees on my house, the buckles in the floor, the ceiling tiles falling down from the house moving on its blocks, the hole in my roof, broken glass & a shotgun near the door for looters...all this while he was sweating buckets in my kitchen since of course there was no power..and we got denied because we have homeowners insurance and my husband owns a business. I'm a stay at home mom with a 12 year old daughter..we live in Sulphur. Well hubby hasn't been able to work since 2 days before the storm due to evacuation. SBA? Yeah right. Lost all the groceries except what I could fit in a little freezer and run on a generator, no power for 2 weeks, no running water for the first 4 days, no mail (yet FEMA says we have to fill out the forms they MAILED to us!!) I'm sure I'm not saying anything that everyone else hasn't gone through...it wasn't getting denied that was most upsetting though..it was my husbands father who had minimal damage and didn't evacuate, that never had a FEMA inspection, received a $2K check in the mail. Un--freaking--believable!! Our insurance still has not come out & no money coming in to live on. But blessings to all of our parish neighbors who have pulled together & been there for each other. And bless the troops that have been here who were so polite while giving us ice, water & mre's--who'd have thought we'd ever be in line for mre's?? But ya know, I believe in Karma--those rude people manning the phones at FEMA and other places--you'll get yours. When you're hit with a disaster I hope I'm the one who answers the phone when you call in!!!

Charles P must work for FEMA...maybe Grayslake, Illinois needs a "hurricane" so your ^&* can be standing in line for FEMA help..bet your comments would change Mr P. ...Plus your comment on "paying taxes" by people who get something for not having damage is the reason why we PAY HIGH TAXES....

uh?... I think you need to re-read what I have written dear.... I am in agreement that FEMA is a cluster-fvck. I was born and raised in Lake Charles/Sweetlake and have already sent relatives more money than FEMA is giving out because FEMA is not doing anything for them. I was 3 when Audry hit and whipped out my grandfather's home.

I understood you to say NOT to rat on a friend even when you know that "friend" didn't deserve to get benefits ...the people who take monies from situations like this is what makes it hard for people like "us" who did have damages to get benefits "we" deserve..FEMA spends precious time on "gold diggers" and we get left behind. I think you, Mr P need to re-read what you wrote. If I mis-read your comment I'm am sincerely sorry....

Apology accepted.
We are on the same side here Betty. This whole situation encompasses far too much emotion that can be written out of context as well as read out of context. The things one "Can" write and attempt to be sensitive or "politically correct" can be a milder version of what one would like to write.
I've been on this board since the day after Rita hit chasing down friends and family. I've made reservations in far away places for family that have never been out of LC in their life. I've been a "communication hub" for others. All in all... the story is the same...FEMA/Red Cross has dropped the ball in a lot of cases...that's the commonality.
Some have lost a great deal, some have lost very little and it sucks for everyone.
If you would like to continue this conversation, you can email me. I would rather not get into pissing matches on this particular board.
I think you've erred in your opinions of me at this point.
bim1154@comcast.net

ANYONE who was under mandatory evacuation, who is a renter or owner, over 18, works, and independent WILL get help from FEMA. If denied you need to call this number: 337-721-3850. Even if you live with your parents and pay your own bills, you are considered a renter and your own household. The 2000.00 is for lodging assistance and anyone who had to evacuate is entitled!!

quote:

Originally posted by Charles P:
BlueRoofBlues
Personally I wouldn't report her. A lot of people lost sh!t in those storms and if anyone can get anything out of FEMA, then more power to them. Tax dollars paid into it and in my opinion she's only taking what she's paid in over time and will continue to pay through taxes.
Besides... ratting out on a friend???

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ksm1979:
ANYONE who was under mandatory evacuation, who is a renter or owner, over 18, works, and independent WILL get help from FEMA. If denied you need to call this number: 337-721-3850. Even if you live with your parents and pay your own bills, you are considered a renter and your own household. The 2000.00 is for lodging assistance and anyone who had to evacuate is entitled!!

KSM is right and wrong.....ANYONE in the affected parishes IS entitled to the $2000 individual assistance. If turned down, reapply....reapply as many times as it takes to get a competent FEMA person that knows the rules. As to the renter comment, be very careful there....the rule is that there is one $2000 per HOUSEHOLD. If you are renting from your parents and you cannot show rent receipts or other viable proof later if challenged on it, and if the parents also got the $2000 you will be charged with FRAUD! They will rule you a part of the parent household...but by all means apply if you have it coming...Do not let ANYONE with FEMA tell you you arent approved if you live in the affected parishes...it is automatic even if you dont qualify for any other FEMA aid later....and insurance dont matter!! Thanks...Dave

There is a site claiming they can help if your insurance does not come through for you.
http://www.fairshakeclaims.com/

You may wish to check it out. I know if a lot of you will look at your policy on the Homeowners, some will say 2% deductable or 5% deductable for Hurricane, so please do not let them rip you off and say it was flood and that is what they are going to pay. If you policy say deductable for Hurricane, that policy must pay.In may cases Homeowners policy pays much more than flood.

went to Jennings today and talked face to face with a FEMA Rep. They were very nice and helpful AND corrected all mistakes made by the rude phone Reps...I'm very satisfied and was worth the 2 hours I waited to get help. If you have problems, take a ride to Jennings and let these wonderful people help you too..(: