Federal money now available to Napa quake victims

NAPA, Calif. (KGO) -- Thousands of homes were heavily damaged in the Napa earthquake in August. Homeowners have been waiting for over two months hoping to get some help from the federal government.

That money may finally be coming. FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, began setting up tables at the Quake Assistance Center on Wednesday.

Heidi Wolter came to the center to find out what FEMA can do for her and her mother.

The foundation of Wolter's house had shifted. The columns at the top were way off. Inside, the fireplace had fallen onto her living room. There was damage to her house all over.

Wolter's mother's house is a 1909 Victorian. Her walls were cracked and the plaster was falling apart. But the worst damage? The quake moved the house. "Her house is five or six inches off the foundation so it's a real structural challenge," explained Wolter.

Wolter and many others who came to the center on Wednesday are hoping FEMA will help them financially.

"We can provide renter assistance or some home repairs. And they'll also be referred to the SBA to determine their eligibility for a low interest loan," said Casey Deshong, FEMA spokesperson.

"Our interest rates are really low at 2.063 percent for homeowners and renters," explained Kevin Wynn, a spokesperson with the Small Business Administration, or SBA.

In mid-September, a disaster declaration by President Obama made federal assistance available for governmental agencies but not for individuals. That needed another federal declaration, which came on Monday.

City officials say they worked hard to get it. "We worked a lot of extra tours with the FEMA staff and Office of Emergency Services staff to view the damage," said Napa Mayor Jill Techell.

Wednesday was the soft open for the FEMA and SBA tables at the Quake Assistance Center. But the news got around quickly among residents, many who went online to register.

Among them was Mary Jane Bowker, whose home had $60,000 in damages. "It's stucco, so lots of cracks and basically its the two story chimney that we lost," she said.

FEMA says it'll be fully operational by Thursday.

Those interested in learning about their eligibility for the Individual and Households Program should call or register at 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov.