The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a disaster recovery cente in Cedar Rapids following the derecho on August 10.
KCRG-TV 9 reports FEMA has approved about 10% of Linn County households that have applied for federal help so far. Those who received FEMA grants are sharing $1.7 million dollars.
“It’s already being provided via direct deposit, more than 500 Linn County households have already been approved, check your bank accounts see if a deposit has been made,” Troy Mills, a FEMA spokesperson, tells KCRG-TV 9.
The on-site disaster recovery center is the only one operating in Iowa. Mills says residents should know that FEMA won't make them whole.
“FEMA isn’t everything, but FEMA combined with you insurance, combined the work of nonprofit originations, may be able to help fill some of the gaps to help people with their recovery,” Mills says.
FEMA is urging people to register online or over the phone and only come to the in-person site if you need help uploading documents.
“You may also be asked to provide a utility bill or some proof of occupancy that you were living in your home at the time of the disaster,” Mills tells KCRG-TV 9.
FEMA is considering adding other centers in areas hardest hit. Ten additional counties are now eligible for individual assistance for uninsured losses related to housing, medical bills, and even childcare.
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is located in the parking lot between Veterans Memorial Stadium and Kingston Stadium at 950 Rockford Road SW. It will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. It will be closed on Labor Day.
Anyone interested in applying can register online at the agency’s website, Phone registration is available by calling (800) 621-3362 between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. each day.
(Photo: KCRG-TV 9)