NHT Receives 667 Applications for Post-hurricane Disaster Relief Grant

The National Housing Trust (NHT) has, to date, received 667 applications from persons affected by Hurricane Melissa for the Disaster Relief Grant.

This was disclosed by Managing Director, Martin Miller, during Wednesday’s (December 10) sitting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) of Parliament.

The Disaster Relief Grant provides direct financial assistance to contributors and other groups who suffered property damage as a result of Hurricane Melissa. The maximum grant available is $500,000 per collateral.

“The [applications for] grants are slow coming in. So what we have done is that we have split into several teams, and they are out there in the communities. So we expect that we will see a significant increase over the next week or so,” Mr. Miller said.

Regarding the Hurricane Relief Loan, Mr. Miller noted that the Trust has, to date, received only seven applications, which are currently being processed.

“Most of the customers that we’re seeing… their indication is that they have no interest in a loan. Their preference is for a grant. [While] assessing the applications for grants, based on income and individual circumstances, there are 11 applications that we thought could access and service a loan,” he stated.

“[The loan] is open to all contributors, and it goes beyond just contributors. What we have done is that we have put in place provision for immediate family members to apply for the loans on behalf of their parents or other relatives,” the Managing Director added.

Mr. Miller further noted that, as of December 9, the NHT had received 1,567 notifications from persons indicating their intention to submit insurance claims.

“In terms of those who would have completed their claims, returned the claims with all the relevant documents to include estimates, evidence of damages, and so forth, we received a total of 357, with a preliminary estimate of about $823 million. We are going through the process now, jointly with the external assessors appointed by the brokers… the insurance company,” he stated.

“Plus, we have entered into an arrangement to allow for the brokers… for NHT project officers, to assist in the process of doing the assessment and also conducting the review. We commence payment in terms of insurance settlement. As you know, our insurance arrangement is one where a portion of the portfolio is self-insured, so those will be moving at a fast pace,” the Managing Director added.

Mr. Miller further stated that “we would have submitted a few for payment… and we expect that by the next two weeks or so, we will see a large portion of the 357 coming through”.