FEMA Denies Aid to Homeowners

[MountainLaurel]

Fairfax County homeowners hit hard by heavy rains and flooding in late June are not eligible for federal aid because they live in an affluent community that should address its own needs, an official for the Federal Emergency Management Agency said yesterday.

Dan Martinez, the FEMA official, made the statement as he explained the agency's decision to deny Virginia's application for emergency aid for residents of Fairfax and Arlington counties and the city of Alexandria whose homes were flooded during severe storms June 25 and 26.

Some of the heaviest damage was in the Huntington neighborhood of Fairfax. About 150 modest, 1950s-vintage duplexes were inundated by sewage-infested waters from Cameron Run, causing an estimated $10 million in damage. County officials say they have helped about 200 households countywide with temporary housing, food and cleanup, but Martinez said they should do more.

"Fairfax should use its resources to help its own people," said Martinez, who was brought in by FEMA from Texas to oversee Virginia's application for aid, which could have included cash grants, low-interest loans, unemployment assistance and temporary housing.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/01/AR2006080101407.html

:wow:

So, if you happen to live in a county where a portion of the community is mega-wealthy (even though there's a multiyear wait for affordable housing and there are about 10 times more homeless families than there are spots in shelters), you're screwed?

[ixion]

1. However, FEMA will still gladly accept their tax dollars

so that they can be properly funneled to Haliburton. :grr:

[partylessinOhio]

2. Well...when the wealthy ACCEPT multiple tax cuts I guess there are some

repercussions like not getting help from government agencies such as FEMA.

You get exactly what you pay for and who you vote for!

[MountainLaurel]

3. The people affected aren't wealthy at all

Huntington is one of the low-income areas of the county, and the homes affected are mainly owned by elderly people who have been there for years. And that particular area is solidly blue.

Thanks for playing.

[partylessinOhio]

4. I don't agree with FEMA's decision but FEMA says these are wealthy:

quote from your original post: Fairfax County homeowners hit hard by heavy rains and flooding in late June are not eligible for federal aid because they live in an affluent community that should address its own needs, an official for the Federal Emergency Management Agency said yesterday.

If these are elderly Democrats it makes "perfect sense" because the Repuglicans have no use for either.

Do you see any chance that the "affluent community" will address these needs of those who aren't affluent?

[demnan]

5. Leave it to FEMA - always some excuse

Well I can be sure that I'd never receive any assistance if something happened to my place as I live in a neighboring county.

[Lars39]

6. I think the home owners need to hang out at Mr.Martinez' house.

With bullhorns.

[4morewars]

7. There appears to be no shortage...

...of mean little pricks from texas.

"Fairfax should use its resources to help its own people," said Martinez, who was brought in by FEMA from Texas to oversee Virginia's application for aid, which could have included cash grants, low-interest loans, unemployment assistance and temporary housing.