By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
MISSING the June 1 deadline does not automatically disqualify Typhoon Sinlaku survivors from Red Cross financial assistance, officials said, stressing that late applications tied to medical emergencies or displacement will still be reviewed.
American Red Cross spokesperson Frederic Klein said the organization will consider late applications from residents who were hospitalized, unable to return home, or otherwise prevented from registering during the six-week enrollment period. Survivors in those situations are urged to call 670-234-3459 for a case-by-case review.
“If someone was unable to register their application prior to the June 1 deadline due to extenuating circumstances, such as hospitalization or inability to return home until recently, they should give us a call and we will address these individual circumstances on a case-by-case basis,” Klein said.
The Red Cross launched the financial assistance program in April to support households whose homes sustained major damage from Typhoon Sinlaku. Over the past six weeks, staff and volunteers worked with community partners to reach as many affected residents as possible, including those in remote areas and those still displaced from their homes.
Klein said residents who registered before the deadline but are still gathering required documents should not be discouraged. Caseworkers will continue helping applicants finalize their files in the coming days.
“Submitting an application by June 1 was the key step,” he said. “Documents can follow.”
The Red Cross did not say how many late applications it expects to receive but emphasized that its priority remains assisting survivors whose homes were significantly damaged and who continue to face hardship in the aftermath of Sinlaku.
Survivors seeking guidance or clarification may contact the Red Cross Saipan office at 670-234-3459.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
