TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

GENERAL HUD ASSISTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

LOCAL HUD FIELD OFFICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16

HUD PROGRAM OFFICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-20

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

FAIR HOUSING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT . . .19

OFFICE OF HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

GINNIE MAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21

DISASTER RELIEF CENTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-22

FINDING FAMILY AND FRIENDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-24

ASSISTANCE FOR FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY

ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING AID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

OTHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-25

NATIONAL AND STATE INFORMATION ON

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-26

FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS 

AND HOUSEHOLDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-30

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31

HURRICANE RECOVERY INFORMATION FOR 

CONSUMERS AND BANKERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31-42

REGISTER YOUR RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

HUD Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (CFBCI)

Robert Bogart, Director

(202) 708-2404

2
INTRODUCTION

The Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

understands during this time of disaster that people turn to

those they trust, their Faith-Based and Community

Organizations (FBCOs). We are providing this toolkit to

supply information and resources for faith-based and community service providers to assist their constituents now and

in the future. 

This kit provides information about what the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is

doing to assist FBCOs involved in coordinating relief activities, as well as useful contact information for HUD and for

those directly assisting the public. 

HUD’s initial concern is to help meet the immediate temporary

housing needs of those whose homes have been damaged or

destroyed. As these immediate needs are resolved, this

emphasis will transfer to assisting in locating and facilitating

permanent housing.

3

Alphonso Jackson, Secretary

U. S. Department of HUD
GENERAL HUD ASSISTANCE

Secretary Jackson has been in touch with the United States

Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the National Association

of Counties (NACs) to seek their support in coordinating the

identification of housing opportunities for the hurricane victims. They have responded by setting up links on their websites for mayors, communities, and individuals to register

housing assistance assets.

President Bush has requested that all agencies make concerted efforts to remove bureaucratic barriers for those

effected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita so that they can

rebuild their lives with rapidity. Keeping this in mind, HUD

has made a concerted effort to ease restrictions through

waivers and changes in legislation are ongoing and should

be reviewed before applying for HUD dollars.

HUD is staffing Disaster Recovery and one-stop assistance

centers in several cities, including:

Birmingham, AL

Mobile, AL

Greensboro, SC

Memphis, TN

Fort Worth, TX

Dallas, TX

San Antonio, TX

Austin, TX

Monroe, LA

Minden, LA

Plaquemine, LA

Little Rock, AR

Poplarville, MS

Waveland, MS

Moss Point, MS

Ocean Spring, MS

4
Biloxi, MS

Gulfport, MS

Pascagula, MS

Pensacola, FL

HUD has established two toll-free hotlines to assist hurricane

victims. The first, 888-297-8685, is to assist any displaced individual. The second, 800-955-2232, provides specialized help

to Section 8 voucher holders and public housing residents.

A live operator answers these lines from 8 A.M. CT to 8 P.M.

CT seven days a week.

HUD has established the Hurricane Recovery and Response

Center (HRRC), an emergency management division chaired

by the Federal Housing Commissioner. The HRRC serves as a

command post with staff from the following program offices

including Housing, Public and Indian Housing, Community

Planning and Development, General Counsel, and Public

Affairs. The HRRC reports directly to the Secretary and is

housed at HUD Headquarters. The HRRC has dispatched

forty-five HUD specialists with expertise on environmental

abatement, manufactured housing, reconstruction, and community planning, which plans to dispatch additional specialists. 

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HUD FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY

INITITIATIVE LIAISON:

http://www.hud.gov/offices/fbci/liaison.cfm or call: 202-708-2404.

HUD LOCAL OFFICES/ FAITH-BASED LIAISONS NATIONWIDE

Immediate Housing Needs are being addressed by HUD’s

Local Offices:

ALABAMA (REGION IV)

Birmingham Field Office

John Gemmill, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (205) 731-2630, ext. 1010

Fax: (205) 731-2593

5
ALASKA (REGION X)

Anchorage Field Office

Gail West, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (907) 677-9831

Fax: (907) 677-9803

ARIZONA (REGION IX)

Phoenix Field Office

Kenneth Einbinder, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (602) 379-7103

Fax: (602) 379-3985

ARKANSAS (REGION VI)

Little Rock Field Office

Alice Rufus, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (501) 324-5403

Fax: (501) 324-6142

CALIFORNIA (REGION X)

San Francisco Regional Office

Lillie Zinnerman, FBCI Regional Liaison

Tel: (415) 489-6405

Fax: (415) 436-6419

Los Angeles Field Office

Stephen Clark, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (213) 534-2508

Fax: (213) 894-8129

San Diego, CA

Myrna Pascul, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (619) 557-5310 ext. 228

Fax: (619) 557-6296

Santa Ana, CA

Jason Coughenour, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (714) 796-5577 ext. 3009

Fax: (714) 796-1285

COLORADO (REGION VIII)

Denver Regional Office

Candace Herbic, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (303) 672-5202

Fax: (303) 672-5004

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CONNECTICUT (REGION I)

Raymond A. Jordan, Regional FBCI Liaison

Tel: (860) 240-4800 ext. 3101 

Fax: (860) 240-4852

Hartford Field Office (Region I)

Marilyn Diaz, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (860) 240-4800 x3025

Fax: (860) 240-4850

DELAWARE (REGION III)

Wilmington Field Office

John Magee, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (302) 573-6300, x 101 

Fax: (302) 573-6259

FLORIDA (REGION IV)

Jacksonville Field Office

Elaine Spencer, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (904) 232-1777, ext. 2058

Fax: (904) 232-3759

Miami Field Office

Don A. Vargas, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (305) 536-5678, ext. 2271

Fax: (305) 536-5764

Orlando Field Office

Victor Alvarado, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (407) 648-6441

Fax: (407) 648-6310

Tampa Field Office

Fredric E. Washington, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (813) 228-2026, ext. 2119

Fax: (813) 228-2306

GEORGIA (REGION IV)

Atlanta Regional Office

Theresa J. Chappell, Regional FBCI Liaison

Tel: (404) 331-5001 ext. 2943

Fax: (404) 730-2392

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HAWAII (REGION IX)

Honolulu Regional Office

Ramona Mullahey, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (808) 522-8185 ext. 249

Fax: (808) 522-8170

IDAHO (REGION X)

Boise Field Office

Brian Dale, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (208) 334-1088, ext. 3005

Fax: (208) 334-9648

ILLINOIS (REGION V)

Chicago Field Office

Kenneth J. Brucks, Regional FBCI Liaison

(312) 353-6236, ext. 2343

(312) 886-2729

Springfield Field Office

Jane Lear, FBCI Liaison

(217) 492-4120, ext. 1103

(217) 492-4154

INDIANA (REGION V)

Teresa Jeter-Newburn, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (317) 226-6303, ext. 6158

Fax: (317) 226-7308

IOWA (REGION VII)

Des Moines, Iowa

Krista Bowersox, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (515) 284-4632

Fax: (515) 284-4743

KANSAS (REGION VII)

Kansas City Field Office

Stella Alejos, Regional FBCI Liaison

Tel: (913) 551-6980

Fax: (913) 551-5477

8
KENTUCKY (REGION IV)

Louisville Field Office

Deborah Knight, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (502) 582-6163 ext. 211

Fax: (502) 582-6074

LOUISIANA (REGION VI)

New Orleans Field Office

Crystal Jones-Taylor, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (504) 589-7201 ext. 1135

Fax: (504) 589-7266

Shreveport Field Office

Candace P. Higginbotham, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (318) 676-3440

Fax: (318) 676-3407

MAINE (REGION I)

Bangor Field Office

Diana Huot, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (207) 780-3361

Fax: (207) 780-3799

MARYLAND (REGION III)

Baltimore Field Office

J.C. Shay, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (410) 962-2520, ext. 3119

Fax: (410) 962-1849

MASSACHUSETTS (REGION I)

Boston Regional Office

Raymond A. Jordan, Regional FBCI Liaison

Tel: (860) 240-4800, ext. 3101

Fax: (860) 240-4852

MICHIGAN (REGION V)

Detroit Field Office

Thomacina Brown, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (313) 226-7900, ext. 8009

Fax: (313) 226-5611

9
Flint Field Office

Anthony Martin, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (810) 766-5112, ext. 5084

Fax: (810) 766-5122

Grand Rapids Area Field Office

Terri Sanchez, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (616) 456-2100, ext. 2111

Fax: (616) 456-2114

MINNESOTA (REGION V)

L. Peter Bast, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (612) 370-3000, ext. 2207

Fax: (612) 370-3220

MISSISSIPPI (REGION IV)

Jackson Field Office

Rita Delaney

Tel: (601) 965-4700, ext. 3045

Fax: (601) 965-4473

MISSOURI (REGION VII)

St. Louis Field Office

Fannie Woods, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (314) 539-6561

Fax: (314) 539-6367

MONTANA (REGION VIII)

Helena Field Office

Lawrence Gallagher, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (406) 447-1480

Fax: (406) 449-5052

NEBRASKA (REGION VII)

Omaha Field Office

Clifton Jones, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (402) 492-3138

Fax: (402) 492-3134

NEVADA (REGION IX)

Las Vegas Field Office

Kenneth J. LoBene, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (702) 366-2111

Fax: (702) 388-6244

10
Reno Field Office

Thomas Vetica, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (775) 784-5383 ext. 229

Fax: (775) 784-5005

NEW HAMPSHIRE (REGION I)

Manchester Field Office

Ernie J. Zupanic, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (603) 666-7510, ext. 3036

Fax: (603) 666-7667

NEW JERSEY (REGION II)

Camden Field Office/Newark Field Office

Diane Johnson, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (973) 622-7900 ext. 3102

Fax: (973) 645-2323

Newark Field Office 

Alan Gelfand, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (973) 622-7900, ext. 3105

NEW MEXICO (REGION VI)

Albuquerque Field Office

Mary Alice Garcia, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (505) 346-6463

Fax: (505) 346-6604

NEW YORK (REGION II)

Albany Field Office

Robert Signoracci, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (518) 464-4200, ext. 4251

Fax: (518) 464-4300

Buffalo Regional Office

Michele Bernier, FBCI Regional Liaison

Tel: (716) 551-5755, ext. 5007

Fax: (716) 551-5752

11
New York City Regional Office

Earleene Sealy, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (212) 542-7152

Fax: (212) 264-0246

Syracuse Field Office

Amatullah Yamini, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (315) 477-0616 ext. 3006

Fax: (315) 477-0196

NORTH CAROLINA (REGION IV)

Greensboro Field Office

Eddie Woodhouse, FCBI Liaison

Tel: (336) 547-4001 ext. 2058

Fax: (336) 547-4118

NORTH DAKOTA (REGION VIII)

Fargo Field Office

Oswald Scantlebury, FCBI Liaison

Tel: (701) 239-5041

Fax: (701) 239-5249

OHIO (REGION V)

Cincinnati Office

Jim Cunningham, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (513) 684-3451, ext. 2967

Fax: (513) 684-6224

Cleveland Office

Phyllis J. Mitchell, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (216) 522-4058, ext. 7223

Fax: (216) 522-7151

Columbus Office

Tom Leach, Director/FBCI Liaison

Tel: (614) 469-5737, ext. 8110

Fax: (614) 469-7700

OKLAHOMA (REGION VI)

Oklahoma City Field Office

William Tolbert, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (405) 609-8461

Fax: (405) 609-8982

12
Tulsa Field Office

C. Lyn Larson, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (918) 581-7168 ext. 3036

Fax: (918) 581-7440

OREGON (REGION X)

Portland Field Office

Roy Scholl, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (503) 326-3985

Fax: (503) 326-2568

PENNSYLVANIA (REGION III)

Philadelphia Field Office

Sheppard V. Williams, FBCI Regional Liaison

Tel: (215) 656-0616, ext. 3307

Fax: (215) 656-3445

Pittsburgh Field Office

Cynthia Haines, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (412) 644-5855

Fax: (412) 644-4240

PUERTO RICO / U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (REGION IV)

San Juan Field Office

Edgar Rodriguez-Mendez, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (787) 766-5201, ext. 2041

Fax: (787) 766-5995

RHODE ISLAND (REGION I)

Providence Field Office

Noah Dorius, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (401) 528-5371

Fax: (401) 528-5097

SOUTH CAROLINA (REGION IV)

Columbia Field Office

Roy E. Norman, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (803) 253-3206

Fax: (803) 253-3426

13
SOUTH DAKOTA (REGION VIII)

Sioux Falls Field Office

Erik Amundson, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (605) 330-4223

Fax: (605) 330-4465

TENNESSEE (REGION IV)

Knoxville Field Office

Keith Richardson, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (865) 545-4386 ext. 108

Fax: (865) 545-4569

Nashville Field Office

Marsha M. Webb, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (615) 736-7000, ext. 2430

Fax: (615) 736-7848

Memphis Field Office

Gail Bankston, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (901) 544-3457

Fax: (901) 544-3697

TEXAS (REGION VI)

Dallas Field Office

Chrystn K. Davila, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (214) 767-4143

Fax: (214) 767-8973

Fort Worth Regional Office

Nicolas Ramon, FBCI Regional Liaison

Tel: (817) 978-5964

Fax: (817) 978-5569

Houston Field Office

Dr. Terry Van Allen, FBCI Liaison

1301 Fannin, Suite 2200

Houston, TX 77002

Tel: (713) 718-3106

Fax: (713) 313-2319

14
Lubbock Field Office

Wanda C. Merritt, FBCI Liaison

1205 Texas Avenue, Room 511

Lubbock, TX 79401-4093

Tel: (806) 472-7286, ext. 3014

Fax: (806) 472-7275

San Antonio Field Office

John W. Salmons, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (210) 475-6800 ext. 6838

Fax: (210) 472-6804

UTAH (REGION VIII)

Salt Lake City Field Office

Pauline Zvonkovic, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (801) 524-6076

Fax: (801) 524-3439

VERMONT (REGION I)

Burlington Field Office

Audra J. Ouellette, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (802) 951-6290, ext. 3001

Fax: (802) 951-6298

VIRGINIA (REGION III)

Richmond Field Office

Anne Davis, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (804) 771-2100, ext. 3741

Fax: (804) 771-2090

WEST VIRGINIA (REGION III)

Charleston Field Office

Evelyn “Evie” Young, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (304) 347-7000, ext. 125

Fax: (304) 347-7050

WASHINGTON D.C. (REGION III)

Lillian Curley, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (202) 275-9200, ext. 3303

Fax: (202) 275-9212

15
WASHINGTON STATE (REGION X)

Seattle Field Office

Terri Krick, Regional FBCI Liaison

Tel: (206) 220-5364

Fax: (206) 220-5108

Spokane Field Office

Kim McCollim, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (509) 353-0674, ext. 3200

Fax: (509) 353-3102

WISCONSIN (REGION V)

Sheila Ashley, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (414) 297-3214 x8014

Fax: (414) 297-3947

WYOMING (REGION VIII)

Chris Stearns, FBCI Liaison

Tel: (307) 261-6251

Fax: (307) 261-6245

16
HUD PROGRAM OFFICES

HUD has established the Hurricane Recovery and Response

Center (HRRC), an emergency management division

chaired by the Federal Housing Commissioner. The HRRC

serves as a command post with staff from the following program offices including Housing, Public and Indian Housing,

Community Planning and Development, General Counsel,

and Public Affairs. The HRRC reports directly to the

Secretary and is housed at HUD Headquarters. The HRRC

has dispatched forty-five HUD specialists with expertise on

environmental abatement, manufactured housing, reconstruction, and community planning, which plans to dispatch

additional specialists. 

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING

HUD has established a toll free number for displaced Public

Housing residents and Section 8 voucher holders. For information call 1-800-955-2232 or visit www.hudclips.org.

• Temporary Housing and Shelter – HUD has identified vacant

multi-family housing, public housing units and HUD-owned

homes that could be used as temporary housing for those

forced from their homes. 

• Public Housing Reserve for Disasters and Emergencies – HUD

has funding available for public housing authorities to help

rehabilitate damaged public housing properties through the

Emergency Capital Funds and Section 8 Assistance.

• Emergency Capital Funds – A set-aside for emergency capital

needs resulting from natural disasters and unforeseen emergencies occurring in FY 2006 is available ($16.8 million).

These funds can be used for projects that had a direct

impact, and for host cities for the costs of relocating disas17
ter victims. Public Housing Authorities must submit an

application and the funds become available on a first-come

first-serve basis as soon as the request is received and

approved by HUD.

• Assistance for Indian Tribes Directly Impacted by the Disaster –

HUD will provide Indian Community Development Block

Grant funding for disaster relief for Indian Tribes that had a

direct impact from the disaster. Indian tribes must submit an

application and the funds become available on a first-come,

first-served basis as soon as the request is received and

approved by HUD.

For more information, contact:

Kevin Fitzgibbons, Administrator

Eastern/Woodlands Area Office of

Native American Programs

(800) 735-3239 (Chicago)

Wayne Sims, Administrator

Southern Plains Area Office of

Native American Programs

(405) 609-8520 (Oklahoma City) 

FAIR HOUSING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

During this time of disaster, please remember that providers

of housing are required to act in a fair and equitablemanner.

Please keep this in mind as you provide shelter.

As Americans, we ALL have a responsibility to provide

housing regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national

origin, age, disability, and familial status. President Bush

is committed to ensuring that no one displaced by these

storms is denied housing opportunities because of their

race or nationality.

If you or your organization have any questions about

18
19

possible discrimination, contact the Fair Housing office

in your area. If you know of anyone that feels they may

have been discriminated against, have them contact the

official in their area as soon as possible.

FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION

Grant Immediate Foreclosure Relief – HUD has granted a 90-day

moratorium on foreclosures and forbearance on foreclosures of

Federal Housing Administration-insured home mortgages.

Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims – HUD has a

special mortgage insurance program under Section 203(h)

of the National Housing Act to assist victims in residentially

declared disaster areas. Under this program, individuals or

families whose residences were destroyed or damaged to

such an extent that reconstruction or replacement is necessary are eligible for 100 percent financing.

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Reprogram and Accelerate Federal Block Grants –

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME

grantees may reprogram previously awarded grants to redirect their focus from one eligible activity to another without

HUD approval. The Consolidated Plan regulations at 24

CFR 91.505 allows grantees to amend an approved plan.

Substantial amendments to approved plans generally

require a 30-day public comment period, but a waiver lessening that to a 3-calendar-day comment period for activities

related to Hurricane Katrina assistance efforts to be assisted with CDBG funds was signed by Assistant Secretary

Patenaude on September 5, 2005. 91.505(c) does require

that grantees notify HUD that an amendment has been

made, but they can do that as each amendment occurs or

at the end of the year. Grantees do not have to make a

request to HUD to amend their consolidated plan.
OFFICE OF HOUSING

Make Available Programs for Damaged or Destroyed

Properties – HUD’s Section 203(k) loan program enables homebuyers and homeowners who have lost their homes to finance

both the purchase and/or refinancing of a house and the cost of

its rehabilitation through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners who have damaged houses to finance the rehabilitation

of their existing single-family home. This program encourages

lenders to make mortgages available to borrowers who would

not otherwise qualify for conventional loans on affordable terms

and to residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods.

What Faith-Based and Community Organizations Can

Do to Assist the Elderly – Many 202 projects for the elderly have faith-based and community sponsors. All 202 recipient organizations can participate in helping locate and relocate eligible elderly persons and families into 202 projects

on a temporary or a permanent basis.

GINNIE MAE

Offer Assistance to Ginnie Mae Issuers in Disaster Areas -

Ginnie Mae will provide assistance to Mortgage-Backed

Securities (MBS) issuers with significant concentrations of

loans within the affected areas. This assistance includes, but

is not limited to:

- Help in making payments to MBS investors where home

owners are unable to make payment.

- The elimination of delinquent loans in affected areas 

from delinquency statistics used in risk monitoring.

- Temporary Expansion of Targeted Lending Initiative -

Ginnie Mae has temporarily expanded its Targeted 

Lending Initiative (TLI) to include, for the next 48 months,

counties that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. 

Under the TLI, Ginnie Mae lowers its guaranty fee by as 

much as 50 percent when approved lenders originate 

eligible home mortgage loans in designated 

communities and place the loans in Ginnie Mae pools.

20
HUD will work with affected communities, including those

receiving evacuees, to be as flexible as possible. For further

information, please call the HUD Disaster Relief toll free hotline:

1-888-297-8685,1-800-877-8339 (TTY).

DISASTER RELIEF CENTERS AND ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING AID

Adventist Community Services - (318) 631-6240

American Red Cross - (800) 435-7669 / (800) HELP-NOW /

(800) 257-7575 (Spanish)

America's Second Harvest - (877) 817-2307

AmeriCares - (800) 486-4357

B'nai B'rith International - (888) 388-4224

Catholic Charities USA - (800) 919-9338

Christian Disaster Response - (941) 956-5183 or (941) 551-9554

Church World Service - (800) 297-1516, ext. 222

Convoy of Hope - (417)-823-8998

Feed the Children - (800) 525-7575

FEMA Disaster Relief Center - 1 (800) 621-FEMA (3362)

TTY number is 1 (800) 462-7585

(For people with speech or hearing disabilities)

Food for the Hungry - (877) 780-4261, ext. 2506

Habitat for Humanity - (866) 720-2800

HUD Disaster Relief Center - 1-888-297-8685

TTY number is 1 (800) 462-7585

International Medical Corps - (800) 481-4462

21
International Orthodox Christian Charities - (877) 803 4622

International Relief and Development, Inc. - (703) 248-0161

International Relief Teams - (619) 284-7979

International Rescue Committee - (877) 733-8433

Life for Relief and Development - (800) 827-3543

Lutheran Disaster Response - (800) 638-3522

MAP International - (866) 627-4483

Mennonite Disaster Service - (800) 348-7468

Mercy (M-USA) - (800) 55-MERCY

MercyCorps - (800) 852-2100

Nazarene Disaster Response - 888-256-5886

Northwest Medical Teams - (800) 959-4325

Relief International - (800) 573-3332

Salvation Army - (800) SAL-ARMY

Samaritan's Purse - (800) 665-2843

Southern Baptist Convention - (888) 571-5895

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation - (877) 387-6126

United Jewish Communities - 1-877-277-2477

United Methodist Committee on Relief - (800) 554-8583

Water Missions International - (843) 769-7395

World Concern - (800) 755-5022, ext. 0

World Relief - (800) 535-5433

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FINDING FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Concerned relatives, who are unable to find a missing loved

one and fear the worst, should call 1-866-326-9393. Family

members can call toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This number is specifically for those concerned that a loved

one may be deceased. The official government center is a

joint effort by the State of Louisiana and FEMA.

Family News Network from the American Red Cross: The

American Red Cross allows you to locate all evacuees who

have reported in safe, or register yourself. Those without

Internet access can call the toll-free hot line 1 877-LOVED1S (1-877-568-3317). Due to the extent of damage and number of people displaced, concerned friends and family

members are encouraged to visit the site daily to consult

the list, as it will be updated continuously.

Missing and Found Children: U.S. Department of Justice is

working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited

23
Children. View photos of children looking for their parents

and see photos of missing children. If you have or need any

information, call their hot line: 1-888-544-5475.

Patients Evacuated from Louisiana Hospitals: The Louisiana

Hospital Association provides access to an online database

to locate patients who were evacuated from hospitals in

New Orleans.

ASSISTANCE FOR FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY 

ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING AID

Operation Blessing - (800) 730-2537

American Red Cross - (800) 435-7669 / (800) HELP-NOW /

(800) 257-7575 (Spanish)

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee -

(800) 55-CRWRC

Church World Service - (800) 297-1516, ext. 222

America's Second Harvest - (800) 771-2303

The United Way - (800) 272-4630

Relief International - (800) 573-3332

Samaritan's Purse - (828) 262-1980

Southern Baptist Conference - (770) 410-6000

Baton Rouge Area Foundation - (877) 387-6126

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster -

(703) 339-5596

Convoy of Hope - (417) 823-8998

OTHER ASSISTANCES PROGRAMS

FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

http://www.floridadisaster.org

24
Evacuees are being encouraged to contact the department’s toll-free Consumer Helpline at 1-800-22-STORM to

get answers and guidance on insurance questions.

Homeowners are strongly encouraged storm victims to

contact their insurance companies to tap into funds for

additional living expenses covered under their homeowners’ policies and to discuss filing claims. Evacuees should

keep all receipts during the recovery period. Other helpful 

information includes:

Immediate Disaster Assistance from the American Red

Cross - 866-438-4636.

Insurance Company Toll-Free Catastrophe Hot Lines -

Catastrophe Hot Lines for insurance companies can be

obtained by calling the Department of Financial Services at

800-22-STORM.

State Government Insurance Help Lines -

Alabama Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line

800-433-3966

334-241-4141 (outside Alabama)

Louisiana Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line -

800-259-5300

225-342-5900 (outside Louisiana)

Mississippi Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line -

800-562-2957

601-359-2453 (outside Mississippi)

NATIONAL AND STATE INFORMATION ON 

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions -

In-State 888-525-9414

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Banking 866-783-5530

Securities 866-783-5469

Mississippi Department of Banking -

In-state 601-359-1031

Toll-Free 800-844-2499

Alabama Department of Banking - 334-242-3452

FEDERAL AGENCIES

Banks – Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) -

www.fdic.gov - 877-275-3342

Savings Institutions – Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) -

www.ots.treas.gov - 800-842-6929

National Banks – Office of Comptroller of Currency (OCC) -

www.occ.treas.gov - 800-613-6743

Credit Unions – National Credit Union Administration

(NCUA) -

www.ncua.gov or www.cuweb.org/cu_finder.htm - 800-827-6282

FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS

There are two primary types of disaster assistance made

available through FEMA - Housing Assistance and Other

Needs Assistance. These programs help individuals and are

often referred to as Individual Assistance, or IA. The total

assistance an individual can receive from FEMA from any

combination of these programs is $25,600 for any disaster.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Housing Assistance grants are provided with no cost share

26
to individual recipients. The cost of this assistance is funded

100 percent by FEMA. Lodging reimbursement is available 

to homeowners and renters whose permanent homes are

rendered uninhabitable. 

Minimal home repairs grants are available to homeowners

who do not have insurance or cannot qualify for an SBA

loan but otherwise could quickly return to their homes by

making repairs. These grants cannot exceed $5,100. FEMA

requires homeowners to maintain repair receipts for three

years. A maximum of $10,200 may be awarded to homeowners who do not have insurance or cannot qualify for an

SBA loan to apply toward the replacement of a primary residence destroyed in the declared disaster event.

OTHER NEEDS ASSISTANCE (ONA)

Other Needs Assistance (ONA) grants are provided with no

cost share to individual recipients. The cost of this assistance is funded at 75 percent by FEMA and 25 percent by

some State governments.

The ONA grants are available to meet serious disaster related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance

and other Federal, State, or voluntary agencies.

This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property,

transportation, moving and storage, and other expenses

authorized by law.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Individuals unemployed as a result of a major disaster, and

not covered by regular state or private unemployment

insurance programs, may be eligible for unemployment

benefits. The weekly compensation received will not

exceed the maximum amount of payment under State

Unemployment Compensation Programs, and may be pro27
28

vided until an individual is re-employed or up to twenty-six

weeks after the major disaster is declared (whichever is

shorter). These provisions honored in most States.

FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA)

Low interest disaster loans are made available to farmers,

ranchers and agricultural operators for physical or production losses. Loans of up to 80 percent of actual production

loss or 100 percent of the actual physical loss, with a maximum indebtedness of $500,000, may be made to either the

tenant or owner of the agricultural business.

INCOME TAX SERVICE

The Internal Revenue Service helps victims identify ways in

which the disaster affects their federal income tax. Casualty

loss credits, early tax refunds and information on lost documentation are some services available to disaster victims.

FOOD COUPONS

Emergency food coupons may be made available to disaster victims. This program is administered by the U.S.

Department of Agriculture at the federal level and the

Florida Department of Children and Families at the state

level. Length of eligibility for receiving food coupons will be

determined by the President.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and state officials will conduct "outreach" activities in an effort to inform disaster victims concerning what programs are available, where

the Disaster Recovery Centers are located and hours of operation. This outreach will be accomplished by utilizing all media

resources and by assembling and deploying outreach teams to

remote areas to inform residents of assistance efforts.
DISASTER RELATED CRISIS COUNSELING

Professional services are provided to help relieve disaster

related stress and prevent the development of more serious

physical and mental health problems.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Provides free legal advice to low income individuals who

require assistance because of a disaster.

FRAUD PREVENTION STRATEGIES

An applicant registers by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Only

those persons living in the declared county are eligible. A

Social Security Number and the description of the losses

caused by the disaster and the location of the damaged

property must be given to the FEMA person who receives

the call. This information is recorded as data and can be

used as evidence, if needed.

A contract inspector working for FEMA visits the damaged

site, verifies ownership, insurance availability, other resources,

and then determines eligible cost for damages caused by the

disaster. This information is filed with FEMA but the inspector

does not determine an applicant’s eligibility.

Any money that an eligible applicant receives must be used

for the specific purpose, such as rent, repairs, or other

needs. If money is not spent for eligible costs, the applicant

will receive no additional help from this program and all

money must be paid back to FEMA. Receipts for expenditure must be kept for three years.

FEMA sponsors a Fraud Hotline at 1-800-435-7352 to report

someone that may be filing false damage claims.

Note: It is a violation of Federal law to file a false claim.

29
FEMA contract inspectors do a sampling check of eligible

applicants to determine if FEMA money has been spent

according to the intent of the assistance program.

Reports of possible fraud result in investigations and can

result in criminal charges being filed. If convicted, applicants could face reimbursement of FEMA funds and other

court actions.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANCE

To obtain general program information or to receive a status

update on your disaster loan request, please call the SBA customer service line at 1-800-659-2955 from 6AM to 11PM, 7

days a week, or email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Once implemented, the SBA program can offer low interest

loans to individuals and businesses for refinancing, repair,

30
rehabilitation, or replacement of damaged property (real and

personal). Loans may be available to businesses which have

suffered an economic impact as a result of the disaster.

A SBA declaration can be made independently or in concert with a Presidential Disaster Declaration. With a SBA

independent disaster declaration there must be a minimum

of twenty-five homes or businesses with 40 percent or more

uninsured losses and/or five businesses with substantial

economic or physical losses.

HURRICANE RECOVERY INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS

AND BANKERS

The FDIC is working cooperatively with all of the state and federal banking agencies and other organizations to determine

the status of the financial institutions located in the affected

areas. In an effort to provide information to those affected by

the hurricanes, we are developing information and providing

links to answer your questions about your banks.

Frequently Asked Questions for Bank Customers in Areas

Affected by Recent Hurricanes:

Access to Money

Q. The local banks are not cashing my checks or letting me

withdraw money from teller stations, what can I do?

A. If you do not have an account relationship with the bank,

it may be concerned about whether there are sufficient

funds in your bank account. Ask the bank you are dealing

with to call your bank to determine your account balance.

We encourage you to work with your existing bank to

provide the necessary information to the bank you are

currently dealing with so that you may conduct your

banking transactions.

However, we do recognize that you may have no other

alternative but to open a new banking account in the area

in which you have relocated.

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Q. My direct deposit is not showing up in my account, and

I need money. Is there somebody who can help me clear

this up with the bank?

A. Sometimes there are delays in the processing of transactions, including direct deposits, as banks activate back up

plans. The banks will process the transactions once the plans

are implemented. The delays should be rectified soon.

Please talk to your bank about the problem. You can also

contact the individual or company that originated the

deposit to see if they have any information about the status

of your deposit.

Q. If my ATM card does not work, what should I do?

A. If your ATM card will not work, it is probably because

your bank's verification system is not working. You may consider other options, such as cashing a check in the area

where you are located or using a credit card. You may also

contact one of the emergency service organizations, such as

FEMA http://www.fema.gov or the Red Cross http://www.redcross.org, and request assistance.

Q. ATM fees are piling up, why aren't the banks waiving

these fees?

A. Please contact your banks and explain your situation.

The regulators are strongly encouraging banks to waive

these fees for those hardest hit by the disaster.

Q. If I have homeowners insurance, do I qualify for a FEMA

Assistance Card?

A. FEMA Assistance Cards will be issued without consideration of insurance. However, future aid payments may take

insurance into consideration when determining the aid

amount. Please contact FEMA for more information on its

Debit Card Assistance Program.

Q. I received my debit card from FEMA, but I am not sure

where I can use it or exactly what it is?

A. These debit cards are cards that are loaded with a set

32
amount of money that can be used to purchase goods and

services or withdraw money at an Automatic Teller Machine

(ATM). When you use your card, the amount of each transaction, including any applicable fees, is deducted from your

account balance. The card will track how much money

remains in your account for purchases or ATM withdrawals.

Once the registration process is complete, individuals without electronic funds transfer (EFT) will receive their card with

a personal identification number (PIN) and the funds will be

loaded onto the card within 24 hours, allowing the debit

cards to be used at any automated cash machine (ATM), or

at any location accepting bank cards with the MasterCard

logo. Those with EFT capabilities do not have to wait 24

hours, as their funds will transfer quickly.

Maintain your card as if it were cash; keep it in a safe place.

Most places require a PIN to use the card so don’t keep

your PIN number in the same place as your card or don’t

write your PIN on your card.

Make sure to keep the paperwork you get with your card so

if you have specific problems with the card, you can call the

appropriate party to get your issues resolved. The FDIC does

not have a mechanism to track your debit-card balance.

Most likely, the paperwork accompanying your card will provide helpful information regarding the card’s use.

For additional information, you can visit the FEMA Web site:

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18686.

Q. I can't reach my bank by phone or Internet, what should I do?

A. If your bank is located in the heavily storm damaged area

and is not a part of a major regional or national institution,

it may not be open for some time. You should contact one

of the emergency service organizations, such as FEMA

http://www.fema.gov or the Red Cross.

http://www.redcross.org, and request assistance.

Q. How can I get money to a relative who banks at a credit

union with all six (6) branches closed in Alabama (Louisiana,

Mississippi, Texas).

33
A. Refer the caller to the NCUA hurricane number, 1-800-

827-6282. You may also go to a bank and have money wired

to the relative.

Q. How can I contact the NCUA for more information?

A. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has

set up telephone and e-mail hotlines for this crisis. Special

telephone numbers and email addresses have been established for each state affected by the hurricanes. The hotline

can provide information about the operating status of an

affected credit union and direct you to a credit union service center near your current physical location.

If you are unable to contact your credit union and need

assistance, please use the contact information, below, for

the state in which your credit union is located.

Alabama

For credit unions located in Alabama, dial 1-800-827-6282,

extension 3049. By email, you can send a message to

KatrinaAL@ncua.gov.

Louisiana

For credit unions located in Louisiana, dial 1-800-827-6282,

extension 4049. By email, you can send a message to

KatrinaAL@ncua.gov.

Mississippi

For credit unions located in Mississippi, dial 1-800-827-6282,

extension 3049. By email, you can send a message to

KatrinaAL@ncua.gov.

Texas

For credit unions located in Texas dial 1-800-827-6282 and

follow prompts.

Q. I would like to wire money to a relative or friend affected

by the hurricanes or I would like to wire money from my cur34
rent institution to another financial institution closer to my

current location? How do I go about wiring money either to

or from an institution?

A. First of all, contact the institution where you want to send to

or retrieve money from and make sure they are able to accept

or send wire transfers. You can find specific bank information

on the FDIC's Bank Find http://www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main_bankfind.asp. You will need to give the following information so it is

good to get it all together before contacting the bank: the

bank's routing number (located in the lower left hand corner of

your check or deposit slip) and either your account number or

the account of the individual who is to receive the money

(located in the middle of the check or deposit slip). If you cannot find a bank's routing number, go to the bank's Web page.

It is usually listed there. You will also want their bank's address

if you are wiring to someone else.

Make sure you get a confirmation letter. If you are doing this

transfer over the Internet, ask them to fax or email you a

confirmation so the person receiving the money receives it.

Make sure you know the identification verification process at

the receiving institution. Some institutions will accept incoming wires for non-customers but will require some form of

proof of who you are before they release the funds.

Make sure you have the identification required or explain up

front what you do have and ask the bank if that is acceptable.

Be aware there are often charges for wiring money so make

sure you are aware of the charges up front and while many

institutions are currently waiving those fees make sure you

know exactly what and if you are going to be charged. You

don't want to be surprised.

Never wire money to someone unsolicited or give out your

account information to an unknown party.

Consumer/Credit Issues

Q. The hurricanes forced me to evacuate without my personal IDs

35
or financial records. How do I start to rebuild my financial records?

A. Here are some tips to help you begin the process of

reestablishing your financial records:

Replace your driver’s license or state identification (ID) card.

Drivers licenses and state ID cards for non-drivers are the

most commonly used IDs for proof of identity. These documents should be replaced as soon as possible.

Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) has set up expedited procedures for issuing replacement licenses and ID cards.

The procedures are outlined in a press release at the OMV

web site: www.dps.state.la.us/omv/katrinadups.html.

Mississippi’s Department of Motor Vehicles at this time has

no expedited procedure for issuing replacement licenses

and ID cards. However, their web site is: www.dmv.org/msmississippi/department-motor-vehicles.php.

Texas Department of Public Safety

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/driver_licensing_control/dlindex.htm.

Replace your Social Security card

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has no expedited

procedure for issuing replacement social security cards at this

time. Currently, the replacement process requires another

form of identification, such as a driver’s license. The process is

explained on the SSA’s web site: http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgibin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=251.

Consider replacing other documents that may serve as

proof of identity.

Other types of documents that identify who you are can include:

- Passport

- Employer ID card

- School ID card

36
- Marriage or divorce record

- Health insurance card (not a Medicare card)

- Military ID card

- Adoption record

- Life insurance policy

Replace your credit cards, debit cards, and checks and

inquire about your safety deposit box.

Contact your financial institution. If can’t remember how to

contact your bank or credit union, simply call the FDIC’s toll

free number 1-877-ASK-FDIC, that’s 1-877-275-3342, for contact information. Once connected, your financial institution

should explain their process for replacing your cards,

checks, and financial records. If you kept documents in your

bank’s safety deposit box, you may want to inquire if the

boxes are intact.

Contact your credit card issuer if your credit card was not

issued by a financial institution, or you are unsure what

financial institution issued your card. Major credit card

issuers include the following companies:

American Express - 1-800-992-3404

http://home.americanexpress.com/homepage/katrina.shtml

Discover - 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683)

http://www.discovercard.com

MasterCard - 1-800-622-7747; TDD/TYY 1-636-722-3725

http://www.mastercard.com/us/gateway.html

Visa - 1-800-VISA-911 (1-800-847-2911)

http://www.usa.visa.com/?country=us&ep=v_gg_new

Q. I am no longer working due to the storm and don't have the

income to live on and meet my payments. If I miss some loan payments, how will this affect my credit? Will I be charged late fees?

37
A. Regulators are telling banks to be understanding during

this time of crisis. We have asked banks to work with customers hit hardest by the hurricane. Among what we are

encouraging banks to do is to allow some loan payments to

be skipped with out it counting against credit histories,

extend the terms of loans, and to restructure loans to take

into account new sets of circumstances. Before skipping

payments or changing the terms of the loan, contact your

bank. FDIC is encouraging banks to be flexible in this time

of crisis, including fees.

Q. I need longer term financing until insurance checks come

in and I can find another job, will banks help?

A. We understand that not all banks provide short-term, unsecured loans, but regulators have encouraged banks to consider making loans on a short-term basis to help consumers.

We have promised banks waivers of certain rules governing

this area.

Q. What about the contents of my safe deposit box? Does

FDIC insurance cover safe deposit boxes?

A. No, deposit insurance does not cover the items contained

in safe deposit boxes. Safe deposit boxes are not immune

from theft, fire, flood, and loss. Most safe deposit boxes are

held in the bank’s vault, which are fire resistant and water

resistance. If possible, contact the branch or office where your

box was located to determine the condition of your box.

Q. How will I get my Social Security check?

A. Contact the Social Security Administration ("SSA") for instructions or information regarding any SSA assistance programs.

To locate open offices, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

FDIC officials have been in contact with SSA officials. They

report that they are having some operational disruptions

like everyone else in the area, thus they are using handwritten checks. The FDIC is encouraging banks to assist those

impacted by the recent hurricanes by honoring – after rea38
sonable verifications – handwritten, typewritten, and laser

Social Security checks issued by Louisiana, Mississippi, and

Alabama Social Security Offices. SSA officials did indicate

that at issuance, several pieces of confidential personal

information are verified with the SSA recipient.

SSA officials also indicated that they were not aware of any

fraud problems relating to third-party drafts or checks in

previous weather-related disasters. Information from the

Social Security Administration is available at:

http://www.ssa.gov/emergency/.

Also, the United States Postal Service has issued a press release on

the distribution of SSA checks that may be beneficial:

http://www.usps.com/communications/news/serviceupdates.htm

Q. I am worried about ID Theft since my home was severely damaged during the storm or I am not sure where my

belongings are at the moment.

A. If you feel ID Theft is a real concern, you may place a

"fraud alert" on your credit file, which can help prevent a

39
thief from opening new accounts or making changes to your

existing accounts. Be aware that putting an alert on your

account may prevent you from opening an account unless

they are able to get in touch with you and positively confirm

your identity and that you are applying for credit. However,

if you have reason to believe you may be a victim of ID theft,

you could do several things. First, you could contact the

fraud departments of any one of the three major credit

bureaus (http://www.equifax.com Equifax at 1-800-525-6285,

http://www.experian.com Experian at 1-888-397-3742, or

http://www.transunion.com TransUnion at 1-800-888-4213) to

place a "fraud alert" on your credit file. Second, people

who think their personal information has been misused

should contact the local police. They can also contact the

Federal Trade Commission on the Web at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft or by phone at 877-IDTHEFT.

As always, protect your Social Security number, bank

account and credit card numbers and other personal information, especially in response to unsolicited requests from

strangers. Remember that fraud artists may try to take

advantage of the crisis by tricking victims (or their loved

ones) into divulging personal information or by stealing

sensitive mail or documents from homes and offices.

Q. What happens if my bank has lost my records?

A. Be assured that banks are required to have extensive contingency plans for all types of disruptions to operations, including

natural disasters. Banks have backup systems of records and

other built-in duplications that are housed in safe locations so

that financial records can be reconstructed and restored.

Q. How can consumers deposit or cash any insurance

checks they may receive?

A. By the time emergency relief and insurance payments

are received the affected institutions should be prepared

to process these payments for their customers. Should a

customer's primary financial institution not be ready to

40
receive these payments it is anticipated arrangements will

be made with neighboring institutions to handle these

special consumer needs.

Flood Insurance

Q. I know I have flood insurance, what do I do?

A. Call your insurance company. The FDIC is providing a

http://www.disasterinformation.org/findins.htm link to a list of

insurance companies that have help lines up for those

affected by the recent hurricanes.

Q. I am not sure if I have flood insurance, what do I do?

A. Attempt to contact the company holding the mortgage

on your home (that may be your bank). If that company

holding your mortgage is your bank, the FDIC can provided

a list of banks and phone numbers in the affected area for

you to contact.

Q. I know I have flood insurance, but my bank is closed –

what do I do?

A. Banks having offices in the most devastated areas are

making every attempt to establish temporary facilities to

service customers.

Q. I know I do not have flood insurance, is assistance available?

A. Contact FEMA http://www.fema.gov.

Bank Operations/Deposit Insurance

Q. If my local bank was destroyed, is my money still insured?

A. Yes, your money is still insured by the Federal Deposit

Insurance Corporation. Deposits with a FDIC insured bank

or savings institution will continue to be protected up to

$100,000. However, you should keep any financial records

that you have in order to help reconstruct your accounts.

Q. Will there be enough cash?

A. Be assured the Federal Reserve System has and will continue to meet the currency needs of the financial institution

41
industry. The banking industry nationwide has more than

sufficient resources to fill any shortfall.

Q. Is my bank safe? Do you believe the affected banks will survive?

A. We are not aware of any bank that has closed due to the

impact of a natural disaster. Consumers can also rely upon

the guarantees provided by the FDIC, which oversees the

insurance funds that back deposits in banks and thrifts, and

the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which protects credit union depositors. These depositors can rest

assured that deposit insurance is in full force.

Q. Who can I contact for more information?

A. The FDIC has a consumer hotline set up for this crisis.

Please call 1-877-ASK-FDIC (275-3342). The hotline is operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

42
REGISTER YOUR RESOURCES

If your organization can be of assistance in the relief effort,

please register at the National Emergency Resource

Registry, or SWERN (link to: https://www.swern.gov/emergency/asset_index.php) if you have multiple housing properties available. If you have single properties available,

register at Disaster Housing Resources (link to:

http://www.dhronline.org/listAProperty.cfm)

43
HUD Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (CFBCI)

www.hud.gov