Suwannee Democrat

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July 17, 2012

Disaster shelter closes

Jeffry Boatright CNHI

Live Oak — Displaced storm victims have left the shelter at the Suwannee County Coliseum and the exhibition hall where it was located has now been transformed into a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.

Three weeks after Tropical Storm Debby dumped over 20 inches of rain on Suwannee County, many flood victims have turned to other places to reside.

According to FEMA Disaster Recovery Manager Cristal Goussen, FEMA representatives worked with all of the victims on an individual basis, ensuring they had a suitable place to go.

Volunteers from the Salvation Army stood ready Tuesday morning to serve meals to flood victims, but said it would be their last day serving meals in Live Oak. During the peak of Debby’s aftermath, the Salvation Army served about 600 hot meals each day and distributed around 700 cases of bottled water while the Red Cross housed 80 to 100 displaced residents.

Although the shelter is closed and hot meals will no longer being served, the Salvation Army and American Red Cross remain at the Disaster Recovery Center offering assistance where they can. Still, a number of flood victims remain unable to get back into their homes, but assistance is available through FEMA. According to a press release from FEMA, victims may qualify for FEMA rental assistance.

“While survivors finish repairs to their homes or find a new place to live, money may be available to help them pay for a clean and safe place to stay,” the press release stated.

FEMA also specified that flood victims who have been staying with friends or relatives because their homes were damaged or destroyed by Tropical Storm Debby may qualify for temporary rental assistance. Although victims living in a county designated for Individual Assistance may be eligible for federal disaster aid, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits by law.

According to the press release, eligible residents may receive an initial two months of rental assistance. In order to obtain help, survivors must first register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., seven days a week. For the hearing impaired, a TTY is available at 800-462-7585. Victims may also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov.

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