Dear Neighbor, As you’ve probably already heard, President Biden approved Governor Wolf’s request to declare a major disaster in Pennsylvania following the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

This declaration will allow residents impacted by the storm to apply for federal aid and services. I want to share with you some important information about storm recovery and what I've been up to the past week.

Available Federal, State and County Resources in Response to Ida

FEMA Aid/Disaster Declaration

FEMA assistance is designed to provide only basic needs to ensure a home is safe, sanitary, and functional. Federal aid may cover damages to ventilation systems, appliances, utilities, as well as ceilings, roofs, floors, and windows but only if the damage makes the home unlivable. Even if you have insurance, you may still qualify for FEMA aid, but you will still need to file a claim with your insurance. Every situation is different so make sure to follow the steps below to begin your recovery process:

Step 1: Take photos of the damage incurred to your home and belongings.

Step 2: Create a list of damaged or lost items.

Step 3: If you have insurance, you must file with them first.

Step 4: Apply for disaster assistance from FEMA by either:

online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

calling 1-800-621-3362.

in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center - location to be announced soon.

Step 5: FEMA will contact you to schedule an appointment for an inspector to come to your property and inspect the damages. You MUST take the call. 

If you own a business that was damaged in Ida, the U.S. Small Business Administration is providing disaster assistance with Business Physical Disaster Loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and Home Disaster Loans. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela

If you or your loved ones are currently homeless or at risk of, contact Montgomery County's Your Way Home for short-term housing by dialing 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211.

And remember, if you have not yet reported property damage to both your municipality and county please do so!

If you still need to report any damage due to Hurricane Ida, please contact both the county and your municipality. To report to the county visit: https://veoci.com/v/p/form/b7bf7bpujcv6?frame=true.

To report to your municipality:

Lower Providence: 610-539-8020.

Upper Providence: 610-983-0355.

West Norriton: 610-631-0450.

Collegeville: 610-489-9208 or email info@borough.collegeville-pa.gov.

Skippack: email damage info to cheleniak@skippacktownship.org.

For Assistance with cutting fallen trees, removing affected drywall, flooring, and appliances, as well as tarping roofs and mitigating mold please call 844-965-1386. These are volunteer services and are available to help!

Lastly, if you lost state documents due to flooding and damages from Hurricane Ida, please contact my office and my staff will be able to assist. 

Personal Health During a Pandemic Virtual Town Hall

I am excited to announce my upcoming virtual town hall, Personal Health During a Pandemic on September 21st. The trauma and stress brought on by the pandemic has had, at times, devastating impacts to our physical and mental health. And while living in a pandemic is the new normal, we must remember that these are extraordinary circumstances and as human beings, we are only capable of handling so much overwhelming news. I wanted to host this virtual town hall to provide the tools and resources available for individuals who are struggling to live healthily as we continue to fight this contagious and deadly disease. 

Panelists include Montgomery County Commissioner Dr. Val Arkoosh, The Arc Alliance's Chief Executive Officer Paul Stengle, Montgomery County Office of Senior Services Community Program Development Manager Tracey Flynn, Eagleville Hospital's Staff Development Manager & Clinical Supervisor Paul Toth, and the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.

To RSVP please visit: https://pahouse.com/Webster/RSVP/?id=1364

For more information, please see our press release surrounding the event here: Webster’s town hall next week to focus on personal health during a pandemic (pahouse.com)

Rededication of the Montgomery County 9/11 Memorial

While it was a somber event, seeing our community band together this past Saturday as we honored the lives lost as a result of that tragic day reinforced that we will not only never forget that day, but we will always remember the heroic and selfless acts we witnessed.

As I recall that day, I was standing with my boss Brigadier General Duignan in the Pentagon watching the second airplane hit the twin towers and minutes later the Pentagon shook, the computers went out, parts of the ceiling collapsed, and we evacuated people as best we could. When I left the Pentagon that day, the sky was so blue and bright it hurt my eyes. In less than an hour, first responders were already on scene, helping people evacuate and setting up tents. That clear, blue sky has served as a reminder that even in our darkest of days, our nation will always show the resiliency and determination to forge toward a clear, bright future.

As citizens of this great nation, we are forever indebted to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice both on that day and in the national response that soon followed. I was honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to speak at the rededication ceremony of the Montgomery County 9/11 Memorial.

You can watch the full ceremony here: https://www.facebook.com/RepJoeWebster/videos/386255423018366

EMS Ceremony

This past Monday we held an annual memorial service for EMS members who have fallen in service to our communities. Over five decades of service, we have seen 69 people who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Eight of those in the last year alone, all due to complications from COVID-19. Please get vaccinated, wear a mask, so that if an ambulance must come to your house, you're not making someone else sick.

Here is a link with highlights of the event! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08MbmaLJ4GY

Unemployment

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry urges people currently enrolled in unemployment programs to take advantage of free jobseeker services offered through PA CareerLink. These services include access to a free job database, resume assistance, information about reskilling opportunities, and more. To schedule an appointment, please contact the PA CareerLink office.

If you need assistance finding work, please utilize the services of the Montgomery County branch of PA Career Link. A link to its website can be found here: https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/jponline/Office/OfficePage/OfficeDetails?sUR2WDJ8ptLoI7HXb9QEZdk3ti__Wu7riVUlzaPKf2c-vjnGGvfkik@G1TGMDo_DwEsPOz922jPaZYTDLakdnP7n7R96GPGD. 

Please continue to stay safe, healthy and well-informed.

And, if you have questions about any state-related issue, please contact my office at 484-200-8263 or email RepWebster@pahouse.net.