Disaster Recovery Center in Hattiesburg to Close 

Disaster Assistance Still Readily Available

Release Date: April 10, 2006
Release Number: 1604-311

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina

BILOXI, Miss. - The Disaster Recovery Center in Hattiesburg, Forrest County will close at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 21, due to reduced activity, federal and state officials announced today.

"The reduced level of activity at the Hattiesburg center means we're moving forward in the recovery process," said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for disaster recovery. "It's important that disaster survivors know that even though this site is closing, the same assistance programs are still available to them through FEMA's toll-free number or at the DRCs that remain open."

Individuals who suffered losses as a result of Hurricane Katrina are encouraged to visit the Hattiesburg Disaster Recovery Center before close of business on Friday, April 21. The center is located at:

300 East 5th Street
Hattiesburg
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; Open Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

These DRCs remain open:

HANCOCK COUNTY
S. Coast Skate Park
118 Anderer Blvd.
Waveland
HARRISON COUNTY
Disabled American Vets Hall
2600 23rd Ave.
Gulfport
JACKSON COUNTY
Old K-Mart Building
3164 Bienville Blvd.
Ocean Springs
Snyder Recreation Center
2520 Pass Road
Biloxi
Pelican Landing Convention Center
6217 Highway 613
Moss Point
PEARL RIVER COUNTY
Mississippi Mall
1310 South. Haugh St.

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. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners.

Officials encourage all Hurricane Katrina applicants who need assistance to call the FEMA toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired, or visit 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: Monday, 10-Apr-2006 08:50:04