Welcome Home Center to Close For 4th of July Holiday 

Release Date: June 29, 2007
Release Number: 1603-655

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Welcome Home Center will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 in observance of Independence Day.

The center, located at 1250 Poydras Street on the 14th floor, will re-open on Thursday, July 5 at 9 a.m. Normal operating business hours are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Welcome Home Center is a one-stop information center for those affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. To date, the center has received more than 21,000 visits since its opening on January 3, 2007.

Representatives from state, federal and voluntary agencies are on hand at the Welcome Home Center to provide recovery information. The center houses FEMA, the city of New Orleans and other agencies and organizations including: FEMA's individual assistance and mitigation divisions, the Road Home, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Social Services, Louisiana Spirit, LSU clinicians, Disaster Child Care and Job 1. The city of New Orleans has two other organizations at the center: Odyssey, which helps applicants find available grants for rent and utility deposits, and Housing Authority of New Orleans.

Written materials about various state and federal programs are also available for individuals and business owners.

FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan.  However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Friday, 29-Jun-2007 11:51:52