Updated: Mayor Mcdermott And Hammond Sanitary District Announce Storm Relief Program

Press release from the City of Hammond:

May 26, 2020

Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. and the Hammond Sanitary District announce storm relief for qualifying Hammond homeowners. The relief will be for damage sustained as a result of the extreme weather event on May 23rd, 2020. Homeowners will be eligible for up to $500 to help cover the cost of cleanup and repair to their homes as a result of the storm.

“This program has been created to alleviate some of the hardship so we along with our residents can get through this together”, said Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr.

The application will be available through the Hammond Sanitary District (219-853-6413 Ext. 515) or online at gohammond.com beginning Thursday, May 28th. Checks will be issued by the Hammond Sanitary District within 14 days after approval of the application. To qualify for the program, homeowners must either have a homestead exemption with the county or otherwise show proof of ownership and residence at the damaged home. Also, homeowners must have an inspection by the Hammond Sanitary District to verify damage to their homes due to the storm.

The relief is to be used towards the cost of repair or cleanup including for carpeting, personal items, furnaces, hot water heaters, drywall, and the like. It cannot be used for painting.

“The City and it’s sanitary system experienced a devastating storm where we had over 2.7” of rain in an hour with over 1.8” occurring in one 15 minute burst,” stated Marty Wielgos, the District Manager of the Hammond Sanitary District. “Our employees have been working diligently inspecting homes so we can expedite this program quickly and efficiently for homeowners.”

STORM RELIEF PROGRAM

Homeowner Checklist

The following is the process to apply for the storm relief assistance; due to damages sustained as a result of the extreme weather event on May 23rd, 2020

• Contact the Hammond Sanitary District Sewer Department 219-853-6405 ext. #637 to report your damage. If you receive a recording, leave your name, address, and phone number.
• Hammond Sanitary District Sewer Department Staff will conduct an inspection of damages your basement to assess damages.
• If you have contacted the Hammond Sanitary District Sewer Department and have received an inspection, your name is on the contact list.
• After your inspection is completed, staff from the Department of Community Development will contact you to conduct a quick prequalification.
• Once qualified, an appointment will be scheduled to collect the necessary documentation and issue your certificate for the Storm Relief Program.
• You will then receive a phone from the Hammond Sanitary District informing you when your check will be ready. Checks will be issued by the within 14 days after approval of the application. The certificate must be submitted to the Hammond Sanitary District, 5143 Columbia Avenue, for check issuance.

Applicants must be Hammond homeowners, and reside in the home in which they are seeking relief. The relief must be used for repairs or cleanup including carpeting, drywall, furnaces, hot water heaters, personal items, and the like. Funds cannot be used for painting.

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