Osceola County opens assistance center for victims of Hurricane Maria

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A reception center for victims of Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico, opened in Osceola County after hundreds patronized a similar center at Orlando International Airport, officials said.

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“Here we are hoping that by offering this information, they leave the airport; they decide they're coming to Osceola County; they know that they are welcomed and they have the information that they need,” said Viviana Janer, Osceola County commissioner.

Officials opened the Osceola County location at Osceola Heritage Park after hearing 360 people had patronized the OIA location.

Read: Puerto Ricans could flee to Central Florida, state rep says

Daisy Rodriguez sought help at the reception center Friday, saying it was a ray of light in an otherwise dark experience.

“You go the island and you see it is destroyed,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez left her home on Puerto Rico two days ago, searching for any kind of assistance after the destruction on the island.

“There is no food; there is no water; there is basically no communication,” said Rodriguez.

She is seeking help for her mother (who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s), her two daughters (one of whom is pregnant) and their husbands, and her granddaughter.

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The reception center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week.

The county is also opening an assistance line, at 407-742-8598

Cox Media Group