Disaster Recovery Center In Long Beach To Close 

Release Date: December 27, 2005
Release Number: 1604-191

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina

JACKSON, Miss. -- The Disaster Recovery Center operating in Long Beach in Harrison County will close at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30, 2005 due to reduced activity, federal and state officials announced today.

"It is significant that we have been able to process nearly 1,000 assistance claims for the hurricane victims in a community that experienced such devastation from Katrina," said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for disaster recovery. "Although this recovery center is closing, victims can be assured that our services are still available to them at locations along the Gulf Coast."

Individuals are encouraged to visit the Long Beach Disaster Recovery Center before close of business on Dec. 30, 2005. The center is located at:

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
21500 B Street
Long Beach, MS 39560

Claims that are still active can be tracked by using FEMA's toll-free phone assistance or by visiting one of the 18 recovery centers that remain open in the state. The two closest Disaster Recovery Centers will be:

Gulfport
Disabled American Vets Hall
2600 23RD Ave.
Gulfport, MS 39501

Biloxi
Snyder Recreation Center
2520 Pass Road
Biloxi, MS 39530

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

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 Jan. 11, 2006 deadline by calling the FEMA toll-free application number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for 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, 27-Dec-2005 17:27:44