Following a presidential major disaster declaration, FEMA will search for suitable locations to open Disaster Recovery Centers in the areas most affected by the disaster. Recovery centers are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available. Centers offer one-on-one, in-person support to individuals and small business owners.
Recovery specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and additional resources are at the centers to help survivors in many ways.
The centers offer assistance in languages other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL), and translated materials are available.
Specialists at the centers can help you:
- Get your questions answered.
- Fill out your application for FEMA assistance, that, if you are eligible, may include:
- Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems);
- Rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily;
- Repair or replacement of a disaster-damaged primary vehicle;
- Uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by the disaster;
- Repair or replacement of occupational specialized tools;
- Essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies);
- Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster; or
- Other disaster-related expenses.
- Update the status of your application.
- Submit additional documents to FEMA.
- Learn about ways to make your property more disaster-resistant.
They can also:
- Provide help in applying for an SBA long-term, low-interest disaster loan.
- Provide referral services to voluntary organizations that offer a variety of services to survivors.
To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.
You don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
The deadline to apply for assistance is April 8, 2024.
For information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.