By Esteban Fernandez, Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — Federal Emergency Management Agency resources are now available for residents in Marion County, but for residents of the partially collapsed Fairmont Village Apartments, it’s proving a challenge to get aid.
“FEMA will not pay me for personal property until that building hits the floor,” Logan Siburt, one of the building’s former residents said. “They just won’t do nothing. Like, personal property, I had my kid’s computers and stuff for school. They won’t pay for none of that until the building is completely demolished or it falls.”
The situation is so off putting, Siburt said one of FEMA’s own representatives told him to reach out to the media and blast the agency over it until it actually does something to help. So far the only help Siburt has received is $5,000 his wife’s work raised on his family’s behalf and $800 from the American Red Cross. He also received a few donations from his wife’s friends. Siburt said the support from individuals is the only reason his family was able to move into a new house.
Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser warned last week that dealing with denials from FEMA can be part of the disaster recovery process. He urged residents who were denied aid to not give up, and press the issue in person with the agency at any one of the recovery centers FEMA has set up in town.
