MAINE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY NEWS RELEASE OF NOVEMBER 2, 2017

DHHS:  “…..current SNAP recipients may qualify assistance with replacing lost food; …..if they qualify, the benefit would be equal to the total of their losses but  cannot exceed their monthly benefit; …..a press release has been issues with information on how SNAP recipients can contact them for replacement benefits – the link is:  http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=770788&v=article-2017 or recipients can contact the Office of Family Independence at 1-855-797-4357 for more information or for assistance in obtaining a voucher; …..”

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Maine  Emergency Management Agency News Release of 11/02/17 at 5 PM:  “ …..The State of Maine is pursuing a Federal Disaster Declaration, however, NO Federal assistance is available at this time; MEMA and the County EMAs are just starting the process of assessing damages and needs, primarily in the area of public works costs for emergency debris removal and disposal; …..individuals who have sustained property damage should document those damages through photos and receipts and file a claim with their homeowner’s insurance; …..those without insurance and financial means to fix the damages should contact their municipal General Assistance Officer to determine what assistance may be available; …..SNAP benefit recipients may be able to obtain a voucher to replace lost food from the freezer/refrigerator – they should contact the Office of Family Independence at 1-855-797-4357 or visit the website http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=770788&v=article-2017 for more information; …..individuals with food losses who are not SNAP benefit recipients should check in with their municipal General Assistance Officer for assistance  that may be available – local food pantries, Community Action Programs and Good Shepherd Foodbank may be able to provide some food replacement assistance to those who meet certain income guidelines; …..individuals may also contact 2-1-1 Maine to obtain referrals for assistance; …..farmers who experienced losses and need assistance should contact USDA Farm Service Agency at 207-990-9140. 

 

Citizens who have experienced damages as a result of the Oct. 29 Wind Storm are encouraged to report those damages to 2-1-1 Maine.  This information is to assess damages and will be provided to the individual’s town to enable them to learn who has storm-related damages.   Callers will be asked a series of questions.  They should continue to file claims with their homeowners or auto insurance.  By reporting this damage, they are not applying for assistance; …..”

 

To Municipal Officials – would you please post this paragraph of information in a conspicuous location at your Town Office/City Hall in order to make residents aware of this information?  Thank you!

 

Joanne

Joanne G. Potvin, Director

Androscoggin Unified Emergency Management Agency

2 College Street

Lewiston, ME  04240-7101