NYC Emergency Management and the NYC Department of Social Services announced on Saturday, Sept. 4., that service centers have opened citywide to support individuals and families affected by the flash flood emergency that occurred on Sept. 1 following Storm Ida, as reported.

 

The five centers are open each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and are providing those affected by the storm with in-person support and information on resources and services available. New York City government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations are on-site to help connect families and individuals to critical services, including enrollment in public benefits and health insurance, housing, food assistance, and mental health counseling. 

 

Services are available to all visitors and visitors to the sites will not be asked about their immigration status. “The flash flooding we experienced in New York City was devastating for many families,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani. “To help New Yorkers navigate the various services and resources available to them, we have established a service center in each borough with assistance from our agency and nonprofit partners. I encourage those affected to visit their local service center, call 311, or access city services online by visiting NYC.gov/ida.” 

• Bronx – 2365 Waterbury Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462 (P.S. /M.S. 194)
• Staten Island 80 Willowbrook Road, Staten Island, NY 10302 (I.S. 51)
• Brooklyn – 71 Sullivan Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (P.S. 15)
• Queens – 4602 47th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377 (M.S. 125)
• Manhattan – 215 W 114th Street, New York, NY 10026 (I.S. 88)

 

On Monday, following President Joe Biden’s recent approval of expedited federal financial relief funding for New York State, State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34) also provided the following update on Sept. 6 in relation to relief resources for Bronx and Westchester residents.

 

Westchester and Bronx counties will receive funding for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, as well as direct support for individuals and homeowners. Eligible New Yorkers can receive funds for uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses, such as repair or replacement of personal property or funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental, and child care.

 

The link to apply for FEMA financial assistance can be found here: www.disasterassistance.gov.

 

Residents will need the following to complete a FEMA claim:

• Social Security Number (SSN) OR the SSN of a minor child in the household who is a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National or Qualified Alien
• Annual Household Income
• Contact Information (phone number, mailing address, email address*, and damaged home address)
• Insurance Information if you have (coverage, insurance company name, etc.)
• Bank Account Information (if you are eligible to receive financial assistance, the money can be deposited in your account)

 

Residents must provide an email address if they want to review their registration status online. Residents who do not provide an email address, will be required to contact FEMA for any updates to their registration.

 

When preparing to file a claim, residents should ensure to provide photos and videos of property damage including:

• IEM, serial, and model numbers of your damaged electronics
• Proof of flooding
• Infrastructure damage
• Debris due to the storm

 

The senator added that residents in need of assistance with filing a FEMA claim can contact her office at biaggi@nysenate.gov or by calling 718-822-2049. The link to file a claim is www.disasterassistance.gov.

 

Assembly Member Nathalia Fernández (A.D. 80) has also offered assistance to residents with the completion of reports on damages caused by Storm IDA. Residents can stop by the assemblywoman’s office from Sept. 5 to Sept. 10 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 2018 Williamsbridge Road, The Bronx, NY 10461.

In addition to FEMA financial assistance, listed below are immediate resources for those living in Westchester and Bronx counties.

 

Disaster and Flood Resource Center

The DFS Mobile Command Center (MCC) will operate at selected locations in the State of Emergency counties affected by Ida. The MCC is staffed by DFS personnel and can provide residents and business owners impacted by the storm with insurance information regarding policy coverage for losses and suggestions on how to document their losses and safeguard their property. Appointments are not necessary. If you are not able to visit the MCC in person, call the DFS Disaster Hotline at (800) 339-1759, daily, 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. for help with banking, insurance and claim issues.

 

• The MCC is currently stationed at the Grinton I. Will Library, at 1500 Central Park Ave, Yonkers.
• Additional in-person help is available on a daily basis at the following locations near our district:
  • Bronx: Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernández’s Office, 2018 Williamsbridge Road (9am-5pm)
  • Bronx: P.S./M.S. 194, 2365 Waterbury Avenue (8am-8pm)
  • Yonkers: Grinton I. Will Library, at 1500 Central Park Avenue (9am-5pm)
  • Mamaroneck: Village Court House, 169 Mt. Pleasant Avenue (9am-5pm)

 

Bronx County:

• Food: City Harvest is dedicated to providing food free of charge throughout NYC. To find a site near you, click here. 
• Shelter: The American Red Cross in Greater New York offers general assistance including sheltering and immediate needs. Call 1-877-733-2767.
  • Red Cross teams are also out canvassing NYC communities to complete disaster assessments and distribute clean up supplies.
  • NYC residents in need of assistance due to the storm are urged to call 311
• Flooding: New Yorkers can file a water damage or loss claim form for damages from Hurricane Ida to the Comptroller’s office, they will be able to assist you further with that claim.
• Small Business Assistance: In-person assistance – to request please call the hotline 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692) or click here.
• New York State Department of Financial Services: New Yorkers can call the New York State Department of Financial Services’ Disaster Hotline at 800-339-1759, daily, 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. and by accessing the website at www.dfs.ny.gov.

 

Westchester County:

• The American Red Cross in Greater New York offers general assistance including sheltering and immediate needs.
  • Metro New York North: Serving Greenwich, Conn., and Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Westchester Counties, including West Point: (203) 869-8444
  • Westchester County, the Red Cross shelter at Mamaroneck High School (1000 W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 10543) remains open for displaced families.
  • Get Immediate Help With: Client Services Temporary Sheltering/Housing, Mental Health Assistance, Financial Assistance, Health Services by emailing: CHGNYDL-ESNYCClientCasework@redcross.org
• New York State Department of Financial Services: New Yorkers can call the New York State Department of Financial Services’ Disaster Hotline at 800-339-1759, daily, 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. and by accessing the website at www.dfs.ny.gov.