Disaster Recovery Center To End Operation In Newton County 

Release Date: October 6, 2008
Release Number: 1791-086

» More Information on Texas Hurricane Ike

AUSTIN , Texas -- The FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center in Newton County will end operations at the close of business Tuesday, Oct. 7. The hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday at the Grace Bible Church, 308 Walthall Road in Newton.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) jointly run the recovery centers to assist Texans whose losses and property damage were the direct result of Hurricane Ike. Since the center opened in September, more than 200 residents received face-to-face assistance.

"We are determined to make sure every Texan affected by Hurricane Ike gets all help possible," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun. "Even when the local center demand drops enough that it closes, FEMA information is still available through its toll-free number."

Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman underscored Haun's view. "We are glad more than 600,000 people have applied for disaster assistance and we want them to follow through with the process by staying in touch with FEMA through the helpline," she said.

Although the center is closing, residents will be able to apply or follow up on their applications by going online to www.fema.gov , or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Residents should register only once; duplicate registrations may cause delays in the delivery of assistance.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repair and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also are available for homeowners, renters and business owners for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

Information about recovery centers still open is available at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/dr1791_drc_list.htm.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 08-Oct-2008 22:22:24