City Of Wilmington: Mayor Purzycki Announces Additional Assistance For Wilmington Homeowners Affected By Flooding From Hurricane Ida

Press release from the City of Wilmington:

09/15/2021 12:00 PM

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Emergency Management Director Willie Patrick today announced that additional assistance will be made available to City homeowners affected by the recent flooding following Hurricane Ida.

Specifically, the City will provide funding to homeowners who are still experiencing problems with certain essential services, including:

• Plumbing/mechanical work for the restoration of gas service
• Electrical inspections
• Damage to HVAC systems, hot water heaters, and electrical panels 

These homeowners must contact the City by calling the 3-1-1 service line to make arrangements for needed funding. Homeowners who are still experiencing problems in the above areas may be eligible for assistance from the City.

Mayor Purzycki said the City knows there are some homeowners who are having problems in the categories listed above, “but we are having problems making contact with them. That is why it’s imperative homeowners now reach out to the City through the 311 system so that individual household problems can be assessed and so funding can be provided for necessary inspections and repairs. People needing help with muck out and similar services should still call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 1-844-965-1386.”

It is estimated that the flooding brought on by the remnants of Hurricane Ida affected as many as 275 property owners, both commercial and residential, in certain areas of the City. While considerable progress has been made to restore utility service to about half of the affected properties, there are still quite a few households experiencing plumbing as well as electric and gas issues.
 
Mayor Purzycki and the City’s emergency management team also issued the following updated information to further assist residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Ida. This information is being issued in partnership with the Governor’s Office, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).

CLEANUP ASSISTANCE

City of Wilmington Crisis Cleanup Hotline
The City of Wilmington continues to offer a toll-free Crisis Cleanup Hotline (1-844-965-1386) to serve as a clearinghouse for all the muck out, tear out, and water removal needs of those directly affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Residents can be connected with local volunteer groups that may assist with:   

• Cutting fallen trees
• Removing drywall, flooring and appliances
• Tarping roofs
• Mold mitigation 

In partnership with the Delaware Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD), these services are performed by volunteers and will be provided at no cost to the resident. Service is not guaranteed, and resources are limited. After providing your information to the Hotline, residents may be contacted by a representative from a participating organization who will determine if they are able to provide assistance.

The Crisis Cleanup Hotline will remain open with extended hours until Friday, October 1, 2021, though residents can call and leave a message at any time and a volunteer will return the call as soon as possible.

This hotline does not provide help with social services such as food, clothing, and shelter. For food assistance or other social services, please contact the Social Services Call Center: 302-571-4900. Deaf or Hearing-Impaired individuals can call 7-1-1 and give the Customer Service Call Center number. Residents should continue to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. 

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Team Rubicon’s Volunteer Vets in Wilmington 
Team Rubicon, a national disaster response organization made up of volunteer military veterans, has teams of volunteers in Wilmington assisting residents directly affected by Hurricane Ida in conjunction with the City’s Emergency Management Office. Trained volunteers started work on Friday, September 10, and will continue for at least another week helping homeowners who lack insurance, are underinsured, or simply unable to perform services such as mucking out, tarping, moisture control, mold mitigation, and more. To request assistance, homeowners are urged to call the new toll-free Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 1-844-965-1386.

DEMA’s Flood Cleanup Assistance Program
DEMA’s Flood Assistance Program, funded by the state’s Emergency Management Resilience Fund, will provide cleanup services for qualifying households through the Milford Housing Development Corporation.  These services may include: 

Team Rubicon’s Volunteer Vets in Wilmington 

• Mucking
• Removal of damaged drywall
• Moisture control of affected areas
• Minor structural repairs
• Insurance deductible assistance

Residents should apply for DEMA’s Flood Assistance Program by calling: 1-844-413-0038. Eligibility includes those living in single households earning less than $52,000 per year, with a higher limit for families. Individuals will also need to show proof of residency in the area outlined here: Along the East side of Northeast Boulevard to 17th Street, from 17th to Bowers, from Bowers to E. 12th Street, from E. 12th Street to Pullman and from Pullman to Northeast Boulevard.

FOOD DONATION AND DSITRIBUTION

WRK Group Collecting and Distributing Food, Other Supplies
The WRK Group – The Teen Warehouse, REACH Riverside and Kingswood Community Center –is collecting and distributing food and other supplies to the community this week. Food and other donations continue today through Friday, September 17, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, September 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The group is no longer accepting clothing donations, though monetary donations are still being accepted. Donate today at reachriverside.org/donate. ALL donations made to the WRK group during this time will be used to support flood recovery efforts. A list of needed food and household items is included at the end of this release. 

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Anyone interested in assisting with ongoing recovery efforts should contact the Delaware Volunteer Agencies Active in Disasters (DEVOAD). DEVOAD brings together organizations that work together organizations that work together to help people of Delaware affected by disasters. Click here to sign up with DEVOAD and be connected with a community organization that is helping with response efforts.

COMMUNITY AND MEDIA INQUIRIES: 

John Rago
Deputy Chief of Staff
City of Wilmington, Office of the Mayor
Mobile: (302) 420-7928
Email: jrago@WilmingtonDE.gov

This press release was produced by the City of Wilmington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.