SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — FEMA announced on Monday that they opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Worthington to provide in-person assistance with FEMA grants and U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans.
Kimberly Keblish, Public Affairs Specialist for FEMA Region 5 said that Disaster recovery centers are staffed by representatives from FEMA and The US Small Business Association.
The disaster recovery centers are operating Monday – Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All disaster recovery centers will be closed on Monday for Labor Day.
Keblish said anyone with damage can apply.
“Anyone with damage in the 19 designated counties in Minnesota from the summer floods and severe floods in Minnesota can come and visit any recovery center that’s closest to them,” said Keblish.
Keblish added that affected individuals don’t need to go to a disaster recovery center, they can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362,
Keblish said what information you should have ready when you are seeking FEMA assistance.
“Make sure you know your social security number, you have an ID, you have your banking information if you want direct deposit, and make sure you have a list or receipts of damaged items from the floods,” said Keblish.
South Dakota also has its first disaster recovery center located in North Sioux City.
Keblish said what kinds of FEMA assistance people can get.
“The kinds of FEMA assistance, some types of assistance that FEMA may provide include temporary housing assistance, monies for home repair or home replacement and coverage for other disaster related expenses like moving in or storage costs, vehicle repair or replacement, and essential appliances like an HVAC or a furnace,” said Keblish.
Keblish said homeowners are not the only people who can apply for assistance.
“The center is also staffed by the US Small Business Association and they provide low interest disaster loans for homeowners and renters, non profits and certain businesses so that’s also a really great option of federal assistance that may be available,” said Keblish. “I do want to make a distinction that FEMA assistance is grant assistance which means this is money that does not have to be repaid.”
