Funding help

Times Contributor

 

In the aftermath of the flooding, homeowners will be looking for their share of promised disaster relief funds. 

“We promised support to rebuild would reach Albertans within days. This is happening,” said Transportation Minister Ric McIver in a recent press release. “We are starting with communities where safe re-entry and rebuilding has begun so they have the money they need to start their recovery.” 

If you were ordered to evacuate your home, and couldn’t return within a seven day period, you can register with the Canadian Red Cross at, www.redcross.ca/abregister , or call 1-866-696-6484. 100 1305-11th Avenue SW, Calgary Alberta, T3C 3P6, Phone: (403) 541-6100 Fax: (403) 541-6129

Preloaded cash cards are being issued to cover immediate expenses, if you present picture ID and proof linking you to the addresses affected. If these were washed away in the flood, declarations can be made and witnessed, as proof of residency. Cards were given out to families in High River, Vulcan and the various aboriginal communities over the weekend. Each adult gets a $1250 debit card and children get $500. After June 30, sites will be set up in Calgary. Disaster financial assistance staff will be in Calgary from July 2 until July 7 at the McMahon Stadium Red and White Club and the Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning. Hours at both locations are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 2, and then 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for all other days. 

Insurance companies don’t issue coverage for losses caused by floods in Canada, so many will be turning to other sources for support. Government emergency funding also disallows compensation for damages repaid by insurance, or any other means. 

If you or your loved ones or friends qualify for government disaster relief, they can fill out applications that address the damage done and request funds required to restore homes or business to a useable state. As cleanup begins, calls to insurance agents should be done. Check to see if there might be any coverage under policies. Insurance companies need to supply a letter indicating no funds were issued, which should be included with relief request applications. When proceeding with cleanup, document your damage and take pictures. Keep track of the hours spent in cleanup activity. Keep receipts for any expenditure used in the process.

However, funds won’t cover upgrades. 

Tenants can get some compensation for loss of necessary belongings. 

Farmers can apply for losses to restore the function on the farm, but not for equipment, lost production or wages. For complete disaster recovery info see: www.alberta.ca/RecoveryInformation  

Forms are on the www.aema.alberta.ca website and once completed, they can be mailed to the Disaster Recovery Program in Edmonton. 14516 -122 Avenue, Edmonton AB.T5L2W4, or call 1-888-671-1111, for help concerning the process

When applications are received, they are evaluated and an evaluation worker appointed. Be sure to include the contact information where you can be reached. 

Some of the regular requirements have been waived to speed the process.

“We have made changes to the Disaster Recovery Program because of these extraordinary circumstances,” said McIver. “These changes have shaved weeks off the normal process, and this means we are beginning face-to-face conversations with and providing financial support to affected Albertans within days – not months – of the floods.”

It is anticipated funds will be released after two weeks and applicants will receive funds by mail.