The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a Disaster Recovery Center at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds on Monday to provide one-on-one assistance for local residents affected by Hurricane Helene in September.

The center inside the Kiwanis Community Building on Fair Road will be open through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“We are here to help those who have had difficulty getting answers to their questions,” said Debra Young, a spokeswoman for FEMA. “They may not have easy access to the internet or feel comfortable working online. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone in person.”

So far, FEMA has approved $3.1 million in assistance for 2,370 Bulloch families affected by Helene, Young said. In addition, more than $1 million has been approved for Bulloch families affected by Tropical Storm Debby in August, she said.

Hurricane Helene’s destructive winds swept through Bulloch County during the night of September 26th into the early morning hours of September 27th. Helene left significant structural damage to a significant number of homes and businesses in the area due to downed trees and high winds.

A federal disaster has been declared for more than 60 Georgia counties, including Bulloch, and that means homeowners and renters who suffered damage or uninsured losses from Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

FEMA may also be able to help with relocation, temporary housing, basic home repair costs, loss of personal property, or other disaster needs.

If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance and haven’t filed a claim, Young said to file as soon as possible.

“(FEMA) cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance,” Young said. “But if your policy doesn’t cover all of your disaster-related expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.”

Young said that because Bulloch is part of the federal disaster, local officials then made a request through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency for a Recovery Center to come directly to the community. FEMA field workers also began going door-to-door in some Bulloch neighborhoods Saturday to provide information and answer questions about how to find out if assistance is available.

Youth said people can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling (800) 621-3362.

The deadline for submitting applications is December 2, 2024.

What you will need when you apply:

· A current telephone number where you can be reached.

· Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now.

· Your social security number.

· A general list of damages and losses.

· Bank information if you choose direct deposit.

· If insured, policy number or agent and/or company name.