Recovery Center Visits Are Optional For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: August 4, 2008
Release Number: 1780-002
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Dolly
McALLEN, Texas Disaster Recovery Centers are available in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties to help residents affected by Hurricane Dolly, but it isn't necessary to visit a center to apply for disaster assistance.
The centers, operated by the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are intended to help people who have already applied by calling the toll-free number or going online.
Applicants can get additional information or face-to-face assistance in filling out forms. There is never a charge for this help.
"We want to reach out to Texans who may need help with other disaster-related questions, which is why FEMA and the state opened three mobile centers on Sunday," said State Coordinating Officer Frank Cantu.
The centers are staffed by federal and state agency representatives, including officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA disaster loan program is part of federal disaster assistance and can offer low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters, as well as business of all sizes and nonprofit organizations.
The way to apply for Hurricane Dolly disaster assistance is by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by going online at www.fema.gov. The number for applicants who have speech or hearing impairments is TTY 1-800-462-7585.
"You can get answers to questions about your application by calling the same number you use to register for assistance, but we understand sometimes it helps to talk face-to-face," Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman said.
Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are serving the following locations:
Cameron County
Harlingen Municipal
Auditorium
1204 Fair Park Blvd.
Harlingen, TX 78550-2324
Hidalgo County
La Villa Middle School
Multipurpose Room
500 E. Ninth St.
La Villa, TX 78562
Willacy County
American Legion
211 W. Hidalgo Ave.
Raymondville, TX 78580
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Aug-2008 08:20:01