MUNSTER, Ind. (AP) — Applications for emergency food stamps are outpacing those for federal disaster assistance more than 2-to-1 at recovery centers in flood-stricken northwest Indiana.

Disaster recovery centers in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties processed 5,000 food stamp applications in the first two days of operation and were on track to process that many again on Saturday, said Andy Miller, director of the Indiana Office of Disaster Recovery.

But he said less than half that number had requested aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Homeowners, renters and businesses in the three counties can apply for federal disaster aid for housing, home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other aid. Harrison, Jefferson and Jennings counties in southern Indiana also were approved for aid Friday.

“The one thing we want to do is encourage folks to make sure if they had damage to their home, they should apply with FEMA,” Miller said.

Much of the state suffered damage starting Sept. 12 from torrential rains that caused flooding and high winds that knocked out power and damaged homes and businesses.

About 500 people lined up at the Munster disaster recovery center by its 8 a.m. opening Saturday. About 1,000 lined up at a similar site in Gary and another 1,000 in Lake Station, Miller said. About 300 lined up at a center in Valparaiso, he said.

Officials said separate lines are established for food stamps and FEMA aid, and some people go home after receiving food stamps rather than wait through another long line.

At the center in Munster on Saturday, Kimberly Wujak of Merrillville waited in the food stamp line while her husband waited in the other line to apply for FEMA assistance.

“Thirteen months ago, we were flooded and no one helped us,” she said. “Maybe we’ll get lucky this time and get some help.”

Posted 9/29/2008