Flooding in Westchester, Ill., in July 2010. (Credit: CBS)
CHICAGO (WBBM) — In Chicago’s Latino community, there is concern that people are losing out on federal flood aid with the final deadline to apply fast approaching. WBBM’s Mike Krauser reports.
The Federal Emergency Management Association has handed out more than $300 million in flood assistance.
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Anyone who had flood damage from the summer storms is eligible.
“This is tax dollars at work, a free reimbursement, a free subsidy from FEMA,” said Ald. Ricardo Munoz, of the Southwest Side’s 22nd Ward, where fear of deportation has prevented some from applying.
“They won’t [get deported],” said Munoz. “It’s against federal law. FEMA assistance is for people that are affected by disasters.”
All they need is one valid social security number, even from a child.
And there’s fear of inspectors.
“They’re not looking for building code violations and they’re not looking for illegal conversions in basements,” said Munoz.
Nov 17 is the deadline to submit an application.
