Retirees Get Good News on Flood Aid : Disaster relief: Leisure World residents in Seal Beach are assured of grants and low-interest loans. Damage toll there may be as much as $3 million.
Federal relief officials Saturday told about 100 Leisure World residents who suffered flood damage that they qualify for assistance to help them refurnish their homes and replace possessions.
Bill De Grosso, spokesman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said flood victims are eligible for low-interest loans from the Small Business Adminstration or grants from FEMA.
The community of 8,700 residents suffered about $2 million to $3 million in damage when a flood control channel overflowed last week. More than 300 residents were evacuated to a clubhouse converted into a Red Cross shelter. The shelter closed down Saturday.
About 450 homes suffered rain-related damage and 60 Leisure World residents are still staying with friends or family, administrator Bill Narang.
Loise Palmer, 70, whose carpet and possessions were flooded when the storm hit Jan. 4, said she and others have tried to apply for assistance in recent days, but have faced tied-up telephone lines.
De Grosso said FEMA has about 400 agents handling claims at its Texas office and has directed overflow calls to its Washington office.
FEMA will first make Small Business Administration loans available to those able to repay, De Grosso said. Others may qualify for FEMA grants, he said.
The small business administration’s program is “long-term. It is a loan with a 4% interest rate loan that allows you to replace your personal property,” said the agency’s representative, Lisa Cookie.
Mary Lane, 70, breathed a sigh of relief when Cookie said the loan could be applied to damaged cars. Her 1987 Toyota Corolla was totaled in the storm. “I’m a crossing guard for the school. I don’t know how I’ll get to work. I guess I’ll just take the bus,” Lane said.
Narang said Leisure World is well-prepared for another deluge. “We have provided sandbags and staff around the clock to provide assistance. We have cleaned all of the dams so there are no obstructions.”
