OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — There are still many people across Central Florida who have been displaced after Hurricane Ian flooded streets and homes nearly two weeks ago, but the community is ready to help.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency has worked all weekend long to open relief centers for storm victims that will give them the resources they need.
One of the newest disaster recovery sites opened in downtown Kissimmee this morning at the Hart Memorial Central Library.
There was a steady stream of people filing in throughout the day, desperate for help after Ian severely impacted their lives.
The library’s second floor has been transformed into a central hub for disaster recovery.
“Our priority is to get people out of shelters and get them into hotel rooms,” said FEMA spokesperson Jann Tracey.
This federal Disaster Recovery Center will serve as a resource hub for individuals and businesses that are recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Ian.
Read: Orange County Disaster Recovery Center opens Sunday for residents seeking assistance
These services include the following:
- Guidance for recovery assistance
- Clarification on FEMA letters
- Status of FEMA applications
- Answers to questions, possible solutions, referrals to other agencies
- Housing assistance and rental resource information
- Small Business Administration program information
Kissimmee resident Chris Samec said it could not have come sooner, despite her attempts to sandbag her home.
“It flooded out the carpet,” she said. “It flooded out everything.”
Samec said the aftermath of Hurricane Ian had forced her out of her home and into a motel for the time being.
She estimated the cost of repairs could be as much as $30,000, which she does not have.
But Samec is optimistic because FEMA is taking applications for those uninsured.
“This is wonderful because a lot of people don’t have the ability to get the help,” she said.
Read: Here are the Central Florida counties eligible for FEMA assistance after Ian
You don’t have to visit a disaster recovery center in your county to sign up; you can register in any county.
FEMA said they are trying to be as flexible as possible for those in need.
Residents are encouraged to register before they arrive at the DRC, which may require information such as insurance policies and bank information if they need to directly transfer funds.
You can register online here, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Read: How can Central Florida residents apply for FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance?
The DRC in Osceola County will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you are unable to visit the center in person, you can also find resources on FEMA’s website or speak to a representative over the phone.
People are asked to be patient through processing documents, but Samec remains hopeful.
“We’ll come out here better, but it’s a journey,” she said. “It’ll be a couple (of) weeks.”
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