Tropical Storm Ida

NJ 211 plays an essential role in emergency response and recovery in our state. When disaster strikes we devote ourselves to communicating to the public recovery resources as they become available and also relaying information to state partners regarding the needs people are expressing in response to the storm. We will post new information about resources associated with recovery from the storm on this page as we receive it from our state and local partners.

Between September 1, 2021, and September 3, 2021, Hurricane Ida impacted residents of Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties.

Assistance from FEMA

FEMA declared that residents of Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties were able to apply for direct assistance for Ida-related recovery such as home repairs, temporary housing, low-cost loans, and other programs. The application period has closed.

Apply online through FEMA's website, by downloading the FEMA App on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, or by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.  

Click to view the Start Your Recovery Process flyer from FEMA. (Spanish), (Bengali), (Korean), (Italian), (Polish), (Arabic), (Russian), (Chinese), (Haitian Creole).

Survivors who are not U.S. Citizens could be eligible for disaster assistance. Learn more here.

After you apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration. If you are referred to SBA, you should complete and submit the application. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept the SBA disaster loan but failure to submit the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance, such as disaster-related car repairs, essential household items, and other expenses. Learn more here.

FEMA Denial Letter and Appeal Process
Applicants have the right to appeal if they do not agree with FEMAʹs determination of eligibility or the assistance provided. Appeals must be submitted within 60 days of the date on the notification letter. Be sure to read the denial letter thoroughly and include insurance information, receipts, home repair documents, etc. to support the appeal. For assistance, call 800-621-3362 or email AskIA@fema.dhs.gov. For information and tips on the appeals process, read FEMA's Appeals Process Q&A and 7 Tips to Appeal a FEMA Decision.

FEMA Other Needs Assistance Residents in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren counties can apply for FEMA ONA funds to assist with repairs or to replace a storm-damaged vehicle. View the FEMA fact sheet here.

Damaged Wells, Furnaces and Septic Systems May be Covered by FEMA  If you are a New Jersey resident whose home was damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, FEMA recommends inspecting your heating, ventilation, air conditioning system (HVAC), furnaces, septic systems and/or wells to see if they were affected. You may be eligible for financial assistance. View the press release in English or Spanish.

Lodging Expense Reimbursement New Jersey residents in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren counties who incurred expenses for short-term lodging because of Hurricane Ida, may be eligible for Lodging Expense Reimbursement (LER) from FEMA. To be considered for LER your pre-disaster primary residence must be unlivable, inaccessible or affected by an extended disaster-caused utility outage.

Business Assistance

New Jersey Business owners in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties were eligible for small business assistance for physical damages even if they have not settled with their insurance company as the filing deadline (Jan. 5, 2022). The application period is now closed. 

Applicants will receive an approval or denial letter. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept the SBA disaster loan but failure to submit the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance, such as disaster-related car repairs, essential household items and other expenses. Learn more here.

Businesses that have been denied may request reconsideration within 6 month of the decline letter. For assistance, business owners can call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Support Services

Helplines and Hotlines

Understanding the Impact and Strategies for Coping with Weather Emergencies. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed due to the recent weather emergencies, visit our Mental Health resource page.

Operation Hope's Financial Disaster Recovery Program provides supportive services and advocates for renters, homeowners, and small business owners impacted by disaster. Services may include assistance with FEMA applications, Small Business Loans, obtaining copies of destroyed documents, foreclosure prevention, and damaged homes. Individuals can call the HOPE Coalition America Hotline at 888-388-4675. Learn more here English or Spanish.

Compass 82's Jumpstart Program provides support services and advocacy to those impacted by Tropical Storm Ida by working with families to create a custom plan to recovery. Services may include teaching survivors how to track disaster-related expenses, properly document damage, or assistance with web applications and appeals. For more information or to connect to a Disaster Navigator for recovery guidance, dial 609-629-2900. Services are available in English and Spanish.

County or Town Based Assistance

Hunterdon County 

• The Hunterdon Helpline is assisting impacted Hunterdon County residents who are in need due to Tropical Storm Ida. Helpline staff can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialing 908-782-4357. Also, the Next Door Center is currently providing access to showers, coffee, food, internet and phone charging stations to those impacted.
• Legal Services of Northwest Jersey is providing free FEMA claims advice and legal services towards evictions, security deposits, rent, public benefits (TANF, general assistance, emergency assistance, food stamps, SSI, Medicaid), and unemployment  to Hunterdon County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Ida. View flyers English or Spanish.

Somerset County

• Legal Services of Northwest Jersey is providing free FEMA claims advice and legal services towards evictions, security deposits, rent, public benefits (TANF, general assistance, emergency assistance, food stamps, SSI, Medicaid), and unemployment to Somerset County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Ida. View flyers English or Spanish