Disaster Recovery Center at Howard Ave. In Biloxi to Close 

Disaster Assistance Still Readily Available

Release Date: February 21, 2006
Release Number: 1604-251

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina

BILOXI, Miss. -- The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) currently operating at 591 Howard Ave. in Biloxi, will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2006. All activities and services will be consolidated and available at the DRC located at 2520 Pass Rd., Biloxi, federal and state officials announced today.

"In order to continue to serve those affected by Katrina in the Biloxi area most efficiently, we are combining the two existing Disaster Recovery Centers," said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for disaster recovery. To date 14,653 hurricane survivors have visited the Howard Ave. center. "It's important disaster survivors know that even though this site is closing, assistance programs are still available to them at the Pass Road site or by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA."

Individuals are encouraged to visit the Howard Ave. Disaster Recovery Center before the close of business on February 25, 2006. The center is located at:

591 Howard Ave
Biloxi
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., until February 25, 2006

Assistance will continue to be available at the Pass Road Disaster Recovery Center located at:

2520 Pass Road
Biloxi
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Disaster Recovery Centers were established to provide detailed program information to those who have already applied for assistance. Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies are on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information. Officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to discuss disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners.

Officials encourage all Hurricane Katrina victims to apply for assistance before the March 11, 2006 deadline by calling the FEMA toll-free application number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired, or visiting the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 15:24:57