CENTRAL FLORIDA — FEMA early Monday opened their first two disaster recovery centers in Central Florida.
The early sites are at Barnett Park in Orange County and at Hart Memorial Central Library in Kissimmee.
A Disaster Recovery Center for Seminole County will open in the Automotive Center biilding at Seminole State College's main Sanford/Lake Mary campus at 1:30 p.m. Monday, officials said.
What You Need To Know
- Locations are at Barnett Park in Orange County, Hart Memorial Central Library in Kissimmee and Seminole State College in Seminole
- The centers house multiple agencies offering help with monetary asssitance, mitigation techniques, and counseling
- Those looking for FEMA assistance should file with their insurance agency prior to applying
- How to apply for FEMA assistance
The Seminole center will be a one-stop-shop for residents seeking assistance with FEMA services, Small Business Administration loans, disaster unemployment, legal advice, veterans services, plus other community services and grants. Starting Tuesday, it will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In Orange County, Eliu Lopez was one of the many at Barnett Park in search of FEMA assistance, though you wouldn't be able to guess what he had been through.
The jokester had no problem keeping other people smiling, despite the massive flood at his home. He says able to keep things light because he says he's got a lot to be thankful for.
"You can't replace your children, you can not replace my wife. Especially my wife. She put up with me for 50 years, what can I say?" said Lopez, who is a resident of Maitland.
Inside the center, multiple agencies offer things ranging from counseling services, mitigation techniques, and recovery dollars.
Those hoping to get FEMA assistance need to make sure they've already filed with their insurance. They should also bring proof of residency, insurance papers, a phone number and address you can be reached at, as well as a social security number.
"The trick to getting assistance fast is having all of your documentation," said Jann Tracey, a FEMA spokesperson. "Because generally speaking, what slows up an application from getting approved is not having the proper documentation, or not filling out the form properly."
Coming in person is a good way you know you've got all your ducks in a row. The experts here might even find some money you didn't know you were eligible for: Things like unemployment assistance, money for food or cleaning supplies, even a check to replace personal uninsured belongings.
If you still need a little help, the Small Business Administration is there offering loans. The loans are open to people in a disaster area, not just business owners.
"Even if you start your loan online, you can still come into the disaster recovery center if you have any questions about forms-- filling them out/putting in the correct information," said Shellie Harvey, a spokesperson with the SBA.
It's peace of mind for those who need help, but people like Eliu Lopez already walked through the door with some faith.
"God is great, and through him everything gets done. So we're all good," said Lopez.