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As you are all aware, devastation has come to the United States again by way of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. We cannot even begin to describe the horror and tragedy that has come upon the citizens of Louisiana and Texas. But we can help through the National Emergency Fund (NEF) to provide some immediate assistance to our fellow impacted Legionnaires.
The American Legion's National Emergency Fund is set up to aid Legionnaires and SAL members and their families during a disaster to provide immediate assistance for food, clothing and shelter. The Departments of Louisiana and Texas are currently experiencing such a situation. To be eligible, our Legion and SAL members must be current on their membership and in an area which was mandatorily evacuated by a government agency
We have had contact with the Department Headquarters in Louisiana and Texas as they start to work through this huge support effort. They have no way to ascertain the amount of damages or how much the National Emergency Fund will be utilized to assist at this point. All they know is that it is bad. Their focus is on ensuring their members are able to return home, safe and sound.
Because of the magnitude of this disaster, a decision has been made to streamline the National Emergency Fund grant approval process as an exception for those that reside in the disaster areas. Typically, grants are to go from the member to the Department Headquarters who would then recommend approval and forward to National Headquarters for determination. Checks are then mailed back to Department for disbursement to the member.
We have activated a process where we can take grant applications directly over the phone (800-588-3365) for those needing immediate assistance (up to $500.00), and are residing in a county or parish that was mandatorily evacuated.
Once the application is called in we will mail the check back to the member directly at the address he/she indicates to us via first class mail.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Eligibility open to Legionnaires and Sons of The American Legion members.
2. Those residing in counties or parishes on mandatory evacuation and/or still evacuated and in need of immediate funds, we will issue checks right away up to $500.00. These checks will be mailed first class (3 – 5 business days) to the address you provide to the Customer Service Representative via the toll-free number. If at a later time period you determine that additional funds are needed, you may re-apply for more funds (up to $1,500 total), utilizing the proper procedures through the Department Headquarters and providing copies of receipts showing out –of-pocket expenses.
2. NEF funds are not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.)
3. Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application
4. No more than $1,500 per household will be granted.
5. Not designed for insurance compensation, loss of business, outbuildings on your property (barns, tool sheds, silos, etc.), equipment (tractors or other farm vehicles), or any type of automobile.
How To Apply During Hurricanes Gustav and Ike Disaster
Call toll-free at: 800-588-3365 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) and our Customer Service Representatives will complete the form for you.
For those members that are not in dire need, they can apply using the regular procedure and can down load the NEF Grant Application at this link and submit through their Department Headquarters: http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/nefapplication_1007.pdf.
How You Can Help
We have an obligation to assist those less fortunate members when the need arises, and we do – through our donations to the National Emergency Fund. All contributions made to this fund are deposited in a special account and are used exclusively to meet our member’s most urgent needs. Not one single contribution dollar is used for fundraising, administrative costs or fulfillment. It is given directly to our members in need – not to meet any administrative expenses.
The money in the fund comes by way of generous donations from American Legion Posts, Legionnaires and Sons of The American Legion members.
Send your tax-Deductible Contributions To:
The American Legion
National Emergency Fund
P. O. BOX 6141
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
We will also be able to take donations directly from the web site at the following link:
https://join.legion.org/NEF/donate
Related Link:
For those unaware of it, FEMA has instituted a web site that will allow you to find lodging that they will pay directly for your displacement. Go to the following link to find out more:
http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=45791
