Mayor Purzycki Announces Additional Assistance for Wilmington Homeowners Affected by Recent Flooding from Hurricane Ida

September 16, 2021

Affected homeowners must contact the City by dialing 3-1-1; other hotlines remain open for muck-out and cleaning needs, housing, and volunteering

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Emergency Management Director Willie Patrick today announced that additional assistance will be made available to City homeowners affected by the recent flooding following Hurricane Ida.

Specifically, the City will provide funding to homeowners who are still experiencing problems with certain essential services, including:

•Plumbing/mechanical work for the restoration of gas service

•Electrical inspections

•Damage to HVAC systems, hot water heaters, and electrical panels

These homeowners must contact the City by calling the 3-1-1 service line to make arrangements for needed funding. Homeowners who are still experiencing problems in the above areas may be eligible for assistance from the City.

Mayor Purzycki said the City knows there are some homeowners who are having problems in the categories listed above, “but we are having problems making contact with them. That is why it’s imperative homeowners now reach out to the City through the 311 system so that individual household problems can be assessed and so funding can be provided for necessary inspections and repairs. People needing help with muck out and similar services should still call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 1-844-965-1386.”

It is estimated that the flooding brought on by the remnants of Hurricane Ida affected as many as 275 property owners, both commercial and residential, in certain areas of the City. While considerable progress has been made to restore utility service to about half of the affected properties, there are still quite a few households experiencing plumbing as well as electric and gas issues.

Mayor Purzycki and the City’s emergency management team also issued the following updated information to further assist residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Ida. This information is being issued in partnership with the Governor’s Office, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).

CLEANUP ASSISTANCE

City of Wilmington Crisis Cleanup Hotline
The City of Wilmington continues to offer a toll-free Crisis Cleanup Hotline (1-844-965-1386) to serve as a clearinghouse for all the muck out, tear out, and water removal needs of those directly affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Residents can be connected with local volunteer groups that may assist with:

•Cutting fallen trees

•Removing drywall, flooring and appliances

•Tarping roofs

•Mold mitigation

In partnership with the Delaware Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD), these services are performed by volunteers and will be provided at no cost to the resident. Service is not guaranteed, and resources are limited. After providing your information to the Hotline, residents may be contacted by a representative from a participating organization who will determine if they are able to provide assistance.

The Crisis Cleanup Hotline will remain open with extended hours until Friday, October 1, 2021, though residents can call and leave a message at any time and a volunteer will return the call as soon as possible.

This hotline does not provide help with social services such as food, clothing, and shelter. For food assistance or other social services, please contact the Social Services Call Center: 302-571-4900. Deaf or Hearing-Impaired individuals can call 7-1-1 and give the Customer Service Call Center number. Residents should continue to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.