New York State Insider: Statement from New York State Senator Shelley Mayer 37th District.

 

Dear friends,  Tomorrow marks the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, a day seared into our collective memory. I remember the lines of firetrucks and police cars barreling down towards ground zero to serve, and the feelings of shock, dread and anger with the realization that our nation had been attacked. I remember the horror of watching the towers collapse, and of knowing there would be so many innocent victims. It was a day like no other in our nation’s history. On this solemn 20th anniversary, I ask you to join me in honoring the memory of all those lost due to the events of 9/11. We will forever be indebted to all our first responders and others who answered the call to respond, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We reflect on the suffering of the families and friends of those who perished, and the pain of those who survived. We remember those who are still suffering to this day because of 9/11. Tomorrow we will once again come together as Americans, and in that unity, find the strength to move forward together to overcome the challenges we currently face.

Ida packed a powerful punch on our community, and so many of our neighbors have just begun to recover. This week, I visited areas impacted by flooding, including Harrison, Mamaroneck, Bronxville, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Rye and Yonkers. As many of our neighbors face a long recovery, I pledge that I will continue to fight for restoration, relief and investments to mitigate future destruction. I would also like to take a moment to thank the wonderful DPW crews and community organizations that have come together and worked around the clock to help others. Once again, New Yorkers are rallying together during a time of crisis, just as we did after 9/11 - and it is a testament to the character and spirit of this community.

Disaster Recovery Centers have been established in Mamaroneck and Yonkers to assist New Yorkers. Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to answer questions and to help people apply for assistance from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice. The NYS Department of Financial Services, which regulates insurance companies and other important agencies, is also available. You do not have to reside in Yonkers or Mamaroneck to receive assistance from the centers. Each site is open to all Westchester residents. Before you apply for FEMA assistance, here are the steps you need to take to start your recovery process:  Take photos of your damaged home and belongings.   Make a list of damaged/lost items.   If you have insurance, file a claim with your carrier. You must receive a rejection letter or statement indicating the gap in coverage before you can recover from FEMA, but apply as soon as you can. If you believe your insurer’s decision is inaccurate, please reach out to the NYS Department of Financial Services’ Disaster Hotline – (800) 339-1759.    If you need assistance, reach out to my office. We can help advocate on your behalf.    How to apply for Federal Assistance:  To apply online, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.  To apply in-person, visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Grinton I. Will Library 1500 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710 Mamaroneck Village Courthouse 169 Mount Pleasant Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543  To apply by phone, call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362). If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a Text Telephone (TTY), call 800-462-7585. For more information about the U.S. Small Business Administration’s low-interest disaster loans, visit https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.  The United Way of Westchester and Putnam is now accepting grant proposals from nonprofits. Organizations who are providing emergency relief to underprivileged, marginalized or ALICE populations, or organizations impacted by flooding can apply for grants between $2,500 and $5,000. For more information, visit https://www.uwwp.org/flooding-response-grant/.  As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250. Warm regards,

Shelley B. Mayer State Senator 37th District