OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — More assistance is on the way for Osceola County.
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A federal Disaster Recovery Center will open Sunday, Oct. 9 at 9 a.m. at the Hart Memorial Central Library in downtown Kissimmee.
This center will serve as a resource for individuals and businesses that are recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Ian.
Read: How can Central Florida residents apply for FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance?
These services include the following:
- Guidance for recovery assistance
- Clarification on FEMA documents
- Status of FEMA applications
- Answers to questions, possible solutions, referrals to other agencies
- Housing assistance and rental resource information
- Small Business Administration program information
The DRC in Osceola County will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Read: Here are the Central Florida counties eligible for FEMA assistance after Ian
Residents are encouraged to register before they arrive at the DRC, which may require information such as insurance policies and bank information if they need to directly transfer funds.
There was a soft opening of the center on Saturday, with different agencies getting ready to assist people in need.
FEMA spokesperson Jann Tracey said residents will be able to get straight answers to their questions.
But there’s more than just one agency involved, including Red Cross and flood insurance agencies.
Read: Seminole County opens FEMA assistance application sites for Hurricane Ian damage
Tracy said the idea is to help people who need relief understand what they need assistance for.
“Suppose the renter lost their personal belongings, their furnishings or the food in the fridge,” Tracy said. “The refrigerator doesn’t belong to the renter but the food does, so they can file for assistance and get reimbursed for that.”
Right now, FEMA said the ultimate goal is to help people get out of shelters and into hotels if they can’t go back into their homes.
Someone who has lost their home will have to apply for assistance first so that FEMA can determine if the person and/or their family need to go to a hotel. The agency will then make the decision and contact the person.
You can register online here, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
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