FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Replacement food assistance benefits, State Emergency Relief available to Gaylord area residents impacted by tornado

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2022  CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov  Replacement food assistance benefits, State Emergency Relief available to Gaylord area residents impacted by tornado LANSING, Mich. – Residents of the Gaylord area who were affected by last week's tornado may be eligible for replacement food assistance or State Emergency relief, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced. "We are marshalling resources and energy across state government to help Michiganders in Gaylord recover and rebuild from last week's tornado," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "We are helping families put food on the table and we will continue working with other state departments and federal partners to ensure families and small businesses have what they need. Michiganders are tough and we have been tested, but we will get through this together." Gov. Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Otsego County after a tornado on Friday, May 20, caused extensive damage. "MDHHS is prepared to help Gaylord-area residents who suffered losses due to this terrible storm," said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. "No one should have to worry about having food for their families or living in an unsafe home because of damages from the tornado." Food Assistance Program MDHHS may be able to replace lost food that had been purchased with Food Assistance Program benefits received through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Replacement food is only available to those already receiving food assistance benefits. Any Food Assistance Program recipient who had food spoil due to a verified power outage or lost to storm damage can contact their caseworker to request replacement food benefits. The deadline for requesting replacement benefits is 10 days after the date of the storm or the power outage at the household. Pandemic EBT benefits to families with children who were learning remotely due to COVID-19 cannot be replaced. State Emergency Relief Program For low-income residents who suffered significant damage to their homes, the State Emergency Relief program provides immediate help to anyone facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. It is available to eligible residents that need help with home repairs necessary to correct unsafe conditions and restore essential services. Applicants must be the owner or purchaser of the home and meet other eligibility requirements to qualify. To apply, visit www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or contact a local MDHHS office. # # # Tornado Assistance Press Release.pdf   Become a foster parent through Michigan Department of Health & Human Services foster care program. Questions?  Contact Us SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe All |  Subscriber Help STAY CONNECTED:       This email was sent to ooseims.archieves@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Dept of Health & Human Services · 235 S. Grand Ave W. · Lansing, MI 48909 ·