Lakes Charles Disaster Recovery Center Phases Out on June 30 

A Mobile Unit Has Already Begun Serving Applicants in the Area

Release Date: June 27, 2006
Release Number: 1603-500

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LAKE CHARLES, La. -- The Lake Charles Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Calcasieu Parish became a heavily trafficked site following its October 13th opening at 1701 Ryan Street in Lake Charles. Like so many other areas of southwest Louisiana, it was badly damaged by Hurricane Rita. At 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30 the DRC will close.

Although the permanent DRC will close on Friday, anyone seeking recovery information will still be able to get help. A Mobile DRC opened on June 19th in front of the Rosa Hart Theatre at the Lake Charles Civic Center. It will be open on Mondays and Tuesdays only. However, due to the July 4th holiday the DRC will be open on Monday, July 3rd and Wednesday, July 5 this week. The DRC hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Residents may also access information by calling the Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Hearing- or speech-impaired individuals may call 1-800-462-7585.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recovery specialists, representatives of other federal and state agencies and customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), assisted more than 110,000 individuals in Calcasieu. The Lake Charles DRC alone saw close to 29,000 people during its seven-and-a-half months in operation. The staff answered questions, helped applicants complete various forms and provided informational brochures and other materials.

The FEMA Individuals and Households program has disbursed $228 million to Calcasieu residents to date, which included $200 million in rental assistance and more than $28 million to help with other needs.

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, 27-Jun-2006 10:58:35