King County residents affected by December flooding are eligible to apply for financial assistance following a declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Residents should be familiar with ways to apply for aid, according to FEMA spokeswoman Lynne Keating, including the option to apply in person at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at North Seattle Community College.
“People just don’t jump in and come to a recovery center,” Keating said. “But there are benefits to coming to a recovery center even if you’ve registered because a lot of people have questions about disaster assistance.”
The DRC gives residents an opportunity to speak with FEMA officials as well as representatives from the state and from local government and possibly discover needs that were not previously considered, she said.
At the DRC on the North Seattle Community College campus, 9600 College Way North in Seattle, King County residents are asked to begin seeking financial assistance by calling 800-621-FEMA. Once a FEMA registration number has been issued, application specialists meet with individuals to go over information. During the process, mitigation techniques can be discussed and residents may also meet with representatives from the Small Business Administration to learn if they are eligible for subsidized loans for long-term recovery.
“We’re trying to make it as simple as possible while at the same time trying to make sure (residents) leave here with their questions answered,” center manager Joanna Voultsides said.
Since opening on Dec. 22, the DRC has averaged six resident visits per day, Voultsides said. The center will remain open as long as it is being used. The deadline to apply for federal relief is Feb. 19.
By close of business on Dec. 27, 235 King County residents were registered with FEMA and more than 7,000 people had called to register for assistance statewide, according to Keating. More than $9.8 million has been approved for housing assistance, she said, adding that the figure does not include funds allocated for other serious disaster relief such as uninsured residents and minimal repair funds.
A denial letter does not necessarily end a resident’s chance to gain assistance Keating said.
“What happens a lot of time is there isn’t enough information because they do have insurance but have not put in what their settlement information is,” she said. “There is an appeal process and it’s a natural process.”
Residents in King County can apply for financial assistance in person at the DRC seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registration can also be done online at www.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA.
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