Churches, Non-Profits Urged To Apply For Ike Funds

Houston County churches and non-profit organizations that provided services to the public during Hurricane Ike are eligible for reimbursement of their expenses through a new social service block grant administered by the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG).
However, those organizations who wish to apply need to act quickly, according to Houston County Judge Lonnie Hunt.
“This is a new grant program that has just become available,” said Hunt.  “But the deadline for applications is
Wednesday, Sept. 30, so we urge those who think they qualify for the funding to act now.”
The Hurricane Ike Social Service Block Grant is specifically for those faith-based organizations and non-profit agencies in the 12-county DETCOG region who provided sheltering, meals, or other social services during and following Hurricane Ike.  Ike struck East Texas on Sept. 13, 2008.
“I know that some organizations have already been reimbursed for their expenses by FEMA or the Red Cross,” Hunt said.  “But I feel like there were many churches and other organizations that pitched in to help local citizens or evacuees who didn’t ask for or expect any reimbursement.  Those are the organizations this grant is designed to help, and I encourage all who qualify for the reimbursement to apply for it.”
Application forms and instructions are available from the Houston County Office of Emergency Management or from the County Judge’s Office. 
For more information contact the Houston County Office of Emergency Management at 544-7175.
The completed applications must be submitted to the DETCOG office in Jasper by Wednesday, September 30.  More information is also available by contacting Shanna Fuller at the DETCOG office at (409) 384-5704, ext. 292.