IN-PERSON ASSISTANCE AT DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/person-assistance-disaster-recovery-centers]


Release Date: 
Oct 23, 2024 

There have been some rumors suggesting that individuals can receive
gift cards or free food at Disaster Recovery Centers, but this
information is not accurate. FEMA and its partners want to ensure that
survivors have the correct information about the services and
resources available at Disaster Recovery Centers.

WHAT YOU CAN FIND AT A DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER

Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops where disaster survivors
can get information and advice on available assistance from state,
federal and community organizations. They are accessible to all,
including people with disabilities and those with access and
functional needs.

You can visit any open center to meet with representatives from the
state of South Carolina, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business
Administration. At a DRC, you may:

	* Apply for assistance.
	* Learn the status of your FEMA application.
	* Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
	* Find housing and rental assistance information.
	* Get answers to questions or resolve problems. 
	* Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
	* Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs.

WHAT DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS DO NOT PROVIDE

	* Gift cards: DRCs do not distribute gift cards or cash.
	* Free food or free goods: DRCs do not distribute free meals,
groceries or other goods. Survivors in need of food are encouraged to
contact local food banks, community organizations, or local government
assistance programs.

FIND A DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER NEAR YOU

There are currently multiple Disaster Recovery Centers open to provide
in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane
Helene. Click here
[https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4829#block-views-block-disaster-recovery-centers-block-3]
to find them.

Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will be open soon in other
affected areas in South Carolina. 

To find all center locations, including those in other states, go to
fema.gov/drc [http://www.fema.gov/drc] or text “DRC” and a Zip
Code to 43362. 

APPLY FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE

You don’t have to go to a DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. There
are other options.

	* Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
[https://www.disasterassistance.gov/].
	* Use the FEMA mobile app
[https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products].
	* Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many
languages. The telephone line is open every day. If you use a relay
service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or
other service, give FEMA your number for that service. FEMA programs
are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access
and functional needs. For a video with American Sign Language,
voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance,
select this link [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw].