FEMA opens recovery center in MC; here's what it offers

The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a Disaster Recovery Center on Monday at Morgan City’s Municipal Auditorium. People in any of the eight Hurricane Francine declared disaster parishes, including St. Mary and Assumption, can apply for assistance 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
“Our job is to get every home back to being a safe and secure place to live,” said FEMA spokesman Keith Jones.
Homeowners and renters can apply for aid:
--At disasterassistance.gov.
--By calling 1-800-621-3362.
--By using the FEMA app.
--At the center at the auditorium, 728 Myrtle St. in Morgan City .
“Some people just like that one-on-one service,” Jones said.
You may be eligible for:
--Help with repairs to the structure of a primary home that you own.
--Compensation for damage to other property – furniture or appliances for example. This assistance is available to renters, too.
--Up to $750 for serious needs, such as food lost because the power was out.
--Smaller amounts to help with cleanup.
-- Displacement assistance with expenses related to living arrangements if you can’t stay in your home.
You’ll need to bring a driver’s license, state-issued ID or passport to the center, plus a copy of your mortgage, your title or property tax receipts, or a lease if you’re a renter.
FEMA inspectors are already in town examining damage to local property.
If you get a letter saying your initial application is denied, don’t just toss the letter aside, Jones said.
“A lot of time it’s paperwork or you didn’t answer a call from an inspector,” he said.
You may be able to get your application on track at the Disaster Recovery Center.