One Recovery Center To End Operations In Harris County 

Release Date: October 16, 2008
Release Number: 1791-138

» More Information on Texas Hurricane Ike

AUSTIN, Texas -- One of the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers in Harris County will end operations at the close of business Friday, Oct. 17.

Until then, the center will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at the Our Lady of Lavang Catholic Church (Giao Xu Duc Me La Vang Church Pavilion), 12311 Old Foltin Road in Houston.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) jointly run the recovery centers to assist Texans whose losses and property damage were the direct result of Hurricane Ike.  Since the center opened in September, more than 1,700 residents received face-to-face assistance.

"It is important for residents to know that even though the local recovery center is closing, you can still contact FEMA for information through its toll-free telephone number," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun.  "We are committed to making sure every Texan gets every ounce of help available."
 
Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman underscored Haun's view. "Nearly 700,000 people have applied for disaster assistance and we want them to follow through with the process by staying in touch with FEMA through the Helpline," she said. 

Residents can apply or follow up on their applications by going online to www.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Residents should register only once; duplicate registrations may cause delays in the delivery of assistance.

The eight remaining recovery centers in Harris County operate 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. A complete listing of recovery centers is available at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/dr1791_drc_list.htm.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repair and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also are available for homeowners, renters and business owners for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Thursday, 16-Oct-2008 12:40:06