I.  PURPOSE

To provide guidance on the support and assistance available to disaster victims from state and federal social and welfare type agencies.

1. On a daily basis, the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) provides financial, medical and direct food subsidy support to low income eligible families and individuals through local offices.
2. It also provides direct services and programs to the elderly, families, children, the handicapped, etc., to protect against abuse, neglect and exploitation.

1. Almost any disaster will increase the number of people in need of social and financial assistance.
2. Disasters affecting large numbers will exceed Field Office capability and require augmentation by HSD.
3. Mutual support agreements with volunteer service/support groups will enhance service to disaster victims.
4. Providing timely welfare assistance immediately after a disaster will decrease tensions and reassure the public.

1. Following a disaster, various branches of local HSD Field Offices will publicize services available to the public and expand operations to serve victims quickly.
2. Local chapters of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other volunteer organizations will marshal resources to provide maximum assistance to disaster victims.
3. Maximum use will be made of available assistance from all sources: private, charitable, and government. Various federal aid programs may be available to qualified recipients: temporary housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA), and loans from the Farmer's Home Administration (FHA).
4. In the event of a large-scale disaster, local government officials may request state/federal assistance. The Governor may request federal funds for state use to make financial grants to disaster victims for whom other assistance is unavailable or inadequate.
5. A Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) will be set up to be easily accessible to disaster victims who may be without transportation. If possible, DACs will be in or near shelters or care facilities. Types of assistance will be widely publicized in Spanish and English.

1. Each jurisdiction will designate a Human Services Coordinator. This person is usually a member of the local HSD Income Support Division field office.
2. Initial responsibility to provide financial and social assistance to eligible disaster victims rests with the HSD Field Offices of the Income Support and Social Services Divisions.
3. The American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, church groups, fraternal organizations, employers and other private agencies will work with HSD Field Offices to alleviate financial and social distress.
4. HSD Field Offices, the Red Cross and other charitable and volunteer organizations will establish a DAC in or near the location where disaster victims are sheltered.
5. Workers will tell each disaster victim about all aid available. Local aid representatives will be present.

1.  Insurance.

• If any disaster loss is covered, volunteers will assist in applying for benefits.

2.  Private grants or loans.

• The Red Cross, Salvation Army, church groups, fraternal organizations and private agencies will first try to meet needs.

3.  Temporary Housing Assistance.

• Home repair and rental costs may be provided by FEMA. Workers will assist with applications.

4.  Business Loans.

• Small businesses may obtain loans from the SBA to offset disaster damage. Workers will assist in preparation of applications.

5.  Farm Loans.

• Farmers may be eligible for emergency loans from the FHA for home and personal property losses. Workers will assist with applications.

F.  After any disaster adversely affecting large numbers of people, the County Commissioners may
     ask the Governor's Authorized Representative to recommend the Governor request the President
     declare a federal disaster area.
G.  After a federal disaster area declaration, the HSD Income Support Division administers the
     Individual and Family Grant (IFG) Program (which the Governor must first implement). This is 25%
     state/local funded and 75% federal. The IFG provides grants to disaster victims unable to meet
     necessary expenses or serious needs. Assistance may be provided for the following:

1.  Housing.

1. Repair/rebuild/replace homes or mobile homes.
2. Repair/replace access roads, culverts, etc.
3. Clean or sanitize.
4. Remove debris.
5. Protect against further damage.
6. Floodplain compliance.

2.  Personal Property.

1. Clothing.
2. Household items, furnishings, or appliances.
3. Tools/specialized items required as condition of employment.
4. Repair or clean personal property.
5. Move and store personal property to prevent or reduce damage.

3.  Transportation.

1. Repair/replace/provide privately owned vehicle.
2. Provide public transportation.

4.  Medical or Dental.

• Disaster related expenses.

5.  Funeral Expenses.

6.  Assistance amounts will NOT be duplicated.

H.  When the Governor implements the Individual and Family Grant Program, the Deputy
    Director of the HSD Income Support Division becomes Grant Coordinating Officer (GCO)
    and takes over/establishes the DAC(s).
I. The GCO will publicize availability of Disaster Assistance Centers through all available
    media.
J. Centers will be manned by charitable and volunteer organizations, representatives of FEMA,
    SBA, FHA, insurance company representatives, and HSD Income Support Division disaster
    assistance experts.
K. FEMA also provides DAC registration/application staff.
L. The GCO will supply representatives at each DAC to steer applicants to proper agencies,
     answer questions, verify eligibility and process applications.
M. The GCO will ensure the confidentiality of information.

Administration of the Individual and Family Grant Program will be in accordance with the New Mexico Individual and Family Grant Program Administrative Plan.
 

1. Responsibility for maintaining and updating this annex rests with the Human Services Coordinator.
2. This annex will be updated as needed and reviewed at least annually.
3. This annex will be exercised in accordance with the exercise schedule as presented in the preparedness section of this document.