Final day arrives for advance claim forms for disaster relief fund

More than a hundred victims of May’s flooding disaster have taken advantage of the city’s flood relief effort.

Many victims of May 28’s flooding came to city hall throughout the day in order to submit a claim. Monday was the final day for resident to submit an advance claim form and be qualified for $1,000 against any kind of disaster assistance.

The claims were for residents who didn’t have insurance or had inadequate coverage.

Reanna Wynn came in the afternoon to file her claim. She considered herself one of the lucky ones because she said most of her possessions were protected and didn’t get damaged after two inches of water crept into her basement.

For the property she did lose, she said she didn’t have any insurance and was happy with the amount of effort the city was putting in to help her out.

“I’m still in transition and my husband and I are living with my mother,” Wynn said. “(The relief fund) will help. The city’s efforts have been great.”

But not everyone shared Wynn’s opinion on the city’s efforts.

Lui Colaneri said he didn’t lose much during flood and had about six inches on water in his basement. He heard worse stories from friends who told him that their basements had three feet of water. The most he said he lost was appliances like his freezer.

Although the $1,000 from the city may cover the damages, he said they should be doing more to help people.

“A $1,000 is not enough especially for people with kids and who live in basements,” Colaneri said.

Kari Chiappetta, project manager for the city’s Disaster Relief Committee, said they have had a consistent flow of people since city hall opened its doors at 8:30 a.m. With it being the final day, she said she expected the numbers to remain busy until city hall closes at 8 p.m.

Over the past couple of days, hundreds of claims have been filed at city hall. She said more than 400 claims have been submitted since Friday, she said.

“I think the day crept up on people so we have done a really big push in the media,” Chiappetta said. “If you miss today you can still put in a final claim form by October 31. The deadline for today is just for people who are requesting an advance on their final claim. This isn’t a deadline that they can’t still apply.”

She said if someone files a claim they will get their money within the next day. 

The flooding impacted thousands of homes so now it’s important to start the fundraising efforts, she said. The province has agreed to match the dollars raised municipally on a two-for-one basis.

Chiappetta said that’s why it’s important for the community to continue to give to the relief effort.

“We still have to do a lot more to help all those who are affected,” she said.