[meaghanchan]

I disagree. I think that most of the people in that situation are going to be spending the money on things they need immediately. $2000, in a situation where you have NOTHING, doesn't go that far. A couple sets of clothes. Some food. A couple months of rent, if you can get in a place where you don't have to sign a lease, while you're waiting for your home to be livable again-- or while you try to find a job where you are. It would be a different matter if it were $10,000... But I don't think anyone down there is going to say, "$2000! I think I'll buy a fur coat!". Cash (or debit cards) can be quickly distributed, and is good everywhere, unlike food/clothing/housing credits, which I think would become very complicated very quickly.

I could be proven to be wrong, though.