We need our money back

Friday, March 18, 2005

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Jessica Martell looks through the pictures of her damaged mobile home.
A Lake Wales woman is shocked by a change of heart by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

It sent her almost $12,000 for losses she suffered resulting from last year's hurricanes, but now it wants almost all of the money back.

The mobile home where Jessica Martell lived with most of her personal belongings was almost destroyed by Hurricane Charley.

A damaged room meant rain from the other hurricanes caused more damage to her furniture.

So, she applied for a FEMA grant to help pay for replacements. She was surprised when they said they would send her the money.

"There was no way it was a mistake to spend it, replace my stuff and have a nice time," Martell said. "I was like God bless you. This is such a blessing."

Then FEMA sent her a letter saying it overpaid her by $9,000 and she has 30 days to send it back, but she said there's no way she has the money to do that.

"I don't think I should be responsible for a mistake they made," Martell said. "Especially since I asked so many times and they said no. I just can't afford it."

Click here to see an enlarged image of Martell's home.
FEMA spokesman Frank Mansell didn't comment directly about the situation, but he said when the agency overpays someone, it can't let it go.

"They have to be fiscally responsible," Mansell said. "These are taxpayers' dollars we are dealing with."

He said people in Jessica's predicament should call FEMA to appeal their case.

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