Disaster Recovery Centers to Close; FEMA Help Remains

BATON ROUGE, La. – The remaining Disaster Recovery Centers operated by the state of Louisiana and FEMA will close soon.

While the DRCs were open, more than 92,000 people were able to get information and guidance in face-to-face meetings at 29 DRCs in 18 parishes with representatives from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies and organizations.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial help or direct services to those who have necessary expenses and serious needs if they are unable to meet the needs through other means.

Many flood survivors have been helped throughout the affected area.

In hard-hit East Baton Rouge Parish, FEMA approved $363,635,911 in IHP assistance for flood survivors. Nearly 46,000 survivors visited DRCs in the parish.In Livingston Parish, $202,798,030 in IHP was approved for survivors. DRCs in Livingston received 18,521 visitors.In Ascension Parish, FEMA approved $56,259,226 for survivors. The parish’s DRC received 6,713 visitors.

Although all DRCs will close by 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, FEMA will still be available for folks in need of assistance in recovering from the August floods.

Those who have registered with FEMA simply need to stay in touch with the agency by phoning the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service can call the same helpline. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585.

Guidance and answers to your questions are available online as well at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Administration will continue to operate disaster loan outreach centers and business recovery centers until further notice. SBA customer service representatives will continue to answer questions, explain the application process, help small businesses apply for a low-interest economic injury disaster loan and help individuals and business owners close their approved disaster loans. No appointment is necessary.

The number for the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center is 800-659-2955. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339. For disaster program information visit SBA.gov/disaster.

DRCs closing schedule

WHEN:   6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016
                                                                                                                                             

WHERE: East Baton Rouge Parish

               Old Neighbors Bank

               13336 Hooper Road

               Central, LA 70818

WHEN:   6 p .m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016
                                                                                                                                             
WHERE: Tangipahoa Parish
               Former Parish Tourism Building
               42271 Nuccio Lane                
               Hammond, LA 70403

WHEN:   6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016

WHERE: Ascension Parish
               Lamar Dixon Expo
               9039 S. Saint Landry Ave.                
               Gonzales, LA 70737                                          

WHEN:   6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016
                                                                                                                                             
WHERE: East Baton Rouge Parish
               Celtic Studios
               10000 Celtic Drive                 
               Baton Rouge, LA 70809

WHEN:   6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016
                                                                                                                                             
WHERE: East Baton Rouge Parish
               New Hope Outreach Center
               5925 Greenwell Springs Road                       
               Baton Rouge, LA 70806

WHEN:   6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2016
                                                                                                                                             
WHERE:  Livingston Parish
               North Park Recreation Center
        30372 Eden Church Road                 
               Denham Springs, LA 70726

Original author: sylvia.obear
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