MERCER COUNTY, W.Va. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a disaster recovery center for those affected by the remnants of Hurricane Helene in Mercer County.
The center opened Monday morning and is located at the Maple View Church of Christ right beside the Mercer Mall. The center will open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
“You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help you through that process. Sometimes people fill out and application and they might get an answer wrong or they didn’t understand and they skip over it. We don’t want that to happen so we encourage people to come talk with us if you don’t understand the process we’re here to talk you through it step by step,” said Tiana Suber, FEMA spokeswoman.
FEMA representatives say people should be bringing valid identification, proof of residency, insurance information and receipts with them to the disaster recovery center.
FEMA may be able to help residents pay for things like temporary housing, home repairs and moving and storage fees.
“The registration deadline is Feb. 7 of 2025 but don’t wait. We’re here, we’re on the ground we have our teams knocking on doors. We’re trying to meet people where they are. Sometimes that’s at home but we’re certainly here waiting for people to come in. Don’t hesitate, if you’re in doubt please come and apply,” said Georgeta Dragoiu, federal coordinating officer for FEMA.
FEMA representatives say if you can’t make it to the disaster recovery center but would like a team to stop by your home you should reach out to Mercer County’s Office of Emergency Management at 304-487-8448.
Those with FEMA say teams making their way around the county will have proper identification with them and to not be afraid to ask for it to avoid potential scammers looking to take advantage.
In addition to visiting the local FEMA recovery center near the Mercer Mall, residents also can apply for federal assistance online at www.Disasterassistance.Gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
FEMA officials will also be at Bluefield City Hall on Dec. 18 at 6 pm helping to assist with disaster relief registration.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is set up at the Princeton Public Library and is staffed during library hours.
Copyright 2024 WVVA. All rights reserved.