Federal Aid for Mississippi Tornado Victims Tops $2.4 Million

Nearly one month after the April 23-24 tornadoes, federal disaster assistance provided to tornado survivors reached more than $2.4 million, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

More than 1,600 individuals, families and businesses registered for some type of assistance. Approved funds included low-interest loans, and grants for temporary housing expenses, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related needs.

According to officials, the assistance provided includes:

• More than $1.8 million has been approved for housing expenses, including temporary rental assistance, home repair costs and assistance toward replacing destroyed homes.
• Nearly $280,000 has been approved to cover other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and essential personal possessions.
• More than $135,000 has been set aside for disaster unemployment assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has distributed nearly 800 applications for low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Nearly $410,000 has been approved.

“With help from their neighbors, voluntary agencies, local government, MEMA and FEMA, tornado survivors are working hard to get back on their feet,” said MEMA Director Mike Womack. “We’re proud of the recovery so far, but there’s more work to do.”