Published: January 12, 2009 11:33 pm         

Assistance available for flood victims with furnace, heating system damages

TERRE HAUTE — Floods from June are still wreaking havoc across the Wabash Valley because of damage to furnaces and heating systems as affected families try to stay warm.

Those whose furnaces were damaged in the flood still may have an opportunity to obtain assistance.

Terre Haute Ministries and the Wabash Valley Long Term Disaster Recovery Coalition have teamed to help provide repairs and in some cases, replacements, for furnaces and heating systems that were damaged, as part of ongoing flood relief.

The Rev. Hannalora Hubbard, director of Terre Haute Ministries, said that anyone who was affected by the flooding in Parke, Vigo, Vermillion, Clay or Sullivan counties is eligible to get a needs assessment through Lifeline, a United Way Agency, by calling 211. Lifeline is now the West-Central Indiana 211 call center, and you can dial 211 from home, pay phones and some cell phones. Lifeline also can be reached by calling (812) 235-8333. It is a 24-hour crisis and information/referral service.

“When they call, it starts a process that refers them to the Wabash Valley Long Term Disaster Recovery Coalition. They will do a needs assessment and start processing that family’s need,” Hubbard said.

The organization may be able to help families that have not received the maximum FEMA grant of $28,200 to appeal to FEMA for additional assistance, Hubbard added.

The coalition has installed three new furnaces for families in need within the past few days, Hubbard said, and before that, the group was able to repair 14 others, using the services of local vendors.

There is no deadline for assistance, Hubbard said, but with temperatures dropping this week into the single digits, those with affected furnaces are encouraged to call as soon as possible.

Deb Kelly can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or deb.kelly@tribstar.com.