Second Disaster Recovery Center Set to Open Thursday
Release Date: August 30, 2000
Release Number: 1339-05
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms And Flooding
Toledo, OH -- State and federal officials announced today that a second Disaster Recovery Center is set to open on Thursday, August 31, in the North Towne Square to serve victims of the recent storms and flooding. The center will be located at 343 New Towne Square Dr. (near Pearle Vision).
More than 50 applicants have already visited the initial recovery center, which opened Monday and is located in the Federal Building (First Floor) at 234 N. Summit St. Both centers will be open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. through Saturday. They will be closed on Sunday and Labor Day (Monday, September 4) and reopen on Tuesday.
"We tried to choose a site for the second center that would be closer and more convenient to the residents of some of the hardest hit areas in the community," Dale Shipley, Ohio Emergency Management Agency's (Ohio EMA) State Coordinating Officer said.
More than 1,700 residents have already called the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free number to apply for state and federal disaster assistance programs. Almost $1 million has been approved, including Disaster Housing grants totaling $860,419 for 486 victims and seven low-interest home loans for more than $129,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Almost half of those applicants (762) have already received their disaster housing inspections, and the total amounts of grants and loans will continue to rise as more claims are processed.
Anyone who suffered damage to their home or business property in Lucas County is urged to apply for assistance by calling 800-462-9029 (TTY: 800 462-7585).
"Applying by phone is a quick and efficient way to help those who need it," said Lou Botta, FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer. "Even if you previously called the city, county or local volunteer agency to report your damage during the flooding, you must call the FEMA toll-free number to apply for state and federal assistance programs now that President Clinton has issued a major disaster declaration."
After calling to apply, disaster victims may visit one of the centers if they have questions about the application process or just wish to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. Representatives of local, state and federal agencies, as well as volunteer agencies will be on hand to provide program and service information. There are also SBA representatives available to help you complete a low-interest loan application, and FEMA and Ohio EMA specialists to discuss common-sense measures to reduce future disaster losses.
"We realize that we can't make people whole or replace every item that was lost, but we hope that the state and federal financial assistance available will help individuals and families to begin the recovery process," Botta said. "We want them to know we are concerned, and we will be here as long as necessary to provide the eligible assistance that disaster victims are entitled to and answer their questions."
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2003 11:26:52