People affected by Hurricane Irma who still want to register for federal disaster assistance or whose application has gotten bogged down or rejected can get one-on-one help this week.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a temporary Disaster Recovery Center in Jacksonville to provide that personal touch.
FEMA spokesman Gerard Hammink said anyone who hasn’t heard back or who has gotten different answers when they’ve called to check on their claim is encouraged to come by.
“Because something about sitting down face-to-face with someone, it just turns into better communication about how to solve the problem that’s kept them from getting the FEMA assistance that they’re eligible for,” said Hammink.
Representatives are also on hand from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of Florida.
The Disaster Recovery Center is located on the Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Kent Campus on Roosevelt Boulevard and is open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. through Saturday.
Homeowners and renters who are getting federal rental assistance but who need more time to get back on their feet can apply for a continuation.
Officials said it’s possible to get another two months of help tacked on to the initial award.
Beyond that, officials said extensions may be granted in three month increments for a maximum of 18 months from September 10, which was the date of the presidential disaster declaration.
You can file for additional rental assistance on FEMA’s website or in person at the Disaster Recovery Center on FSCJ’s Kent Campus.
Contact reporter Cyd Hoskinson at choskinson@wjct.org, 904-358-6351 and on Twitter @cydwjctnews.
