BRANDON, Fla. – FEMA and the state of Florida are opening three new Disaster Recovery Centers in Lee County.
The new centers will open Sunday, Nov. 6 in these locations:
Pine Island - Phillips Community Park
5675 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia, FL 33922
Sanibel Community Church
1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Beach Baptist Church
130 Connecticut St, Fort Myers Beach, Fl. 33931
Hours for these centers will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.
There are several Disaster Recovery Centers operating throughout Florida’s designated counties. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362.
Currently, all centers are operating seven days a week, hours may vary. No appointment is necessary to get assistance.
It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.
In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.
FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.