FEMA to Help 22 Sandy Applicants in Chatham

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will give assistance to 20 percent of Chatham residents who applied for help recovering from Superstorm Sandy.

According to a spreadsheet from the government agency, 99 homeowners and 25 renters from the zip code 07928 applied for assistance after the historic storm. Of those applicants, 20 homeowners and two renters will receive grants from the federal agency.

FEMA divided owner applicants by income ranges. According to the spreadsheet:

• 17 of the homeowner applicants earn between $0 and $15,000 per year
• Seven applicants earn between $15,001 and $30,000
• 22 applicants earn between $30,001 and $60,000
• 10 applicants earn between $60,001 and $90,000
• and 43 applicants earn over $90,000.

Damage to these homes averaged $1,628 in assessed total costs. No homes were assessed at more than $10,000 in damage.

FEMA divides renter applications into moderate, major and substantial damage. Of the renter applicants, the two had substantial damage.

Hurricane Sandy touched down in the Chathams on Oct. 28. Many homes and businesses were without electricity for two weeks.

School in the Chathams were canceled for a week, some longer, because of the devastation.

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