What To Expect From A Disaster Recovery Center
Release Date: July 18, 2002
Release Number: 1425-22
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms and Flooding
San Antonio, TX -- Due to the recent floods that struck parts of central Texas, Disaster Recover Centers have been set up to assist individuals and businesses affected by the disaster. The following are the most commonly asked questions regarding the functions of the Disaster Recovery Centers.
What are Disaster Recovery Centers?
The Division of Emergency Management Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) set up Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to assist individuals and businesses recovering from disasters.
Disaster Recovery Centers are temporary offices that provide program information to those who have applied for assistance after a presidential disaster declaration. Additional DRCs are opened as the need arises. The centers are staffed by representatives from state, federal and voluntary agencies who can provide answers to questions, recovery information about assistance programs, and help in filling out the required loan application form.
Who should visit a Disaster Recovery Center?
Applicants do not have to go to DRCs to receive assistance, but they are encouraged to visit these disaster relief centers because they offer a convenient one-stop location for addressing concerns and assessing the availability of assistance programs. Damage to a home or business can vary markedly from minor flooding of property up to its total destruction. Homeowners, renters and business owners benefit from face-to-face contact with disaster assistance specialists who help them through the recovery process. The centers will continue to operate as long as they are needed in affected communities as part of recovery operations. Personnel at the centers will walk individuals through the application process.
What types of assistance are offered at the Disaster Recovery Centers?
People can get answers to questions about federal and state recovery programs. That includes temporary housing and rental assistance, grants, disaster unemployment assistance and low-interest loans. Other available assistance includes crisis counseling, food and clothing in emergency situations, legal services, insurance concerns and environmental mitigation. It is important to note that financial assistance is not directly available at these centers, but information on obtaining financial assistance is available.
What steps should be taken before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center?
Before applicants visit DRCs they should register for assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. Registration takers and recovery specialists are available to take calls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The hotline has staff that can answer questions in languages other than in English. If you are unable to call to register prior to visiting the center, phones are available at the locations.
Is Spanish-speaking staff available at the Disaster Recovery Centers?
Some disaster recovery centers have staff to assist Spanish speakers. Spanish speakers also are available at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired.
Where are the current Disaster Recovery Centers located in Texas?
| Millers Pond Community Center 6075 Old Pearsall Road San Antonio, Texas 78242 Opened July 8, 2002 |
Joe Ward Community Center 435 E. Sunshine St. San Antonio, Texas 78228 Opened July 8, 2002 |
203 West Court St. Seguin, Texas 78155 Opened July 11, 2002 |
| Trinity Baptist Church 800 Jackson St. Kerrville, Texas 78029 Opened July 12, 2002 |
Old Senior Citizen Center 2609 South 7th St. Abilene, Texas 79605 Opened July 12, 2002 |
Old Post Office Building 1203 Pecan St. (at Main) Bandera, Texas 78003 Opened July 13, 2002 |
| Canyon Lake Action Center 1941 FM 2673 Canyon Lake, Texas 78133 Opened July 13, 2002 |
Jim Ned Elementary School 664 Pine St. Buffalo Gap, Texas 79508 Opened July 15, 2002 Closed July 17, 2002 |
651 Business Loop (at I-35) Suite 1030 New Braunfels, Texas 78130 Opened July 14, 2002 |
| St. Lous Catholic Church 1114 Amelia St. Castroville, Texas 78009 |
Abundant Life Church 1120 Belle Plain St. Brownwood, Texas 76801 Opened July 18, 2002 Closes July 20, 2002 |
Last Modified: Wednesday, 13-Aug-2003 14:27:22