The Disaster Recovery Center in Roseville to shut down Saturday
ROSEVILLE, Ohio – FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center in Perry County is in its last week of operation. WHIZ’s J.W. Dennison breaks down what they do, who should visit, and what comes next for those recovering from the August storms.
At the William H. Barker Community Center in Roseville, the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be closing its doors on Saturday at 4 p.m. That will give residents of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan County residents a place to ask for guidance and assistance when applying for federal aid which is crucial for recovery after the August storms.
“So, the DRC’s are great resource for people who have been impacted by the storms in August. Anyone who’s in one of the seven counties that has had disaster related needs of disaster related assistance, we encourage that and we expect that with the closing we ask you not to delay. So, don’t delay. Visit a DRC,” said Sandy Mackey, a public affairs chief for the Ohio EMA.
FEMA can offer financial assistance that can help fill in the gaps left behind by your insurance. That money can help you with accommodations, home repairs, and personal property loss. The application window for federal aid ends Dec. 1. Maria Padron is a media relations specialist with FEMA and says there are resources to help you navigate the application process.
“Well, there are three ways they can tap into those resources. One is giving us a call at 1-800-621-3362, the other one, on the internet, DisasterAssistance.gov and another way is to come here and speak to a specialist face to face,” Padron said.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has their own special programs available to business owners to assist in repairing damages and ease the financial burden of lost operating hours. They’ll also be at the DRC to help navigate the application process.
“So, the SBA offers low-interest rate disaster loans to home owners, renters, businesses, non-profits including faith-based organizations for the seven counties, the seven primary counties here. We offer both physical disaster loans and economic injury disaster loans,” said Sherita Walker, a public affairs specialist with the SBA.
The physical disaster loans help with the property damage and repairs, while the economic injury disaster loans help manage operating costs while you are addressing the problems form the storms. The deadline for the physical disaster loans is Dec. 1 and the economic injury disaster loan deadline is in July of 2027.
Once the DRC has closed its doors, recovery efforts will continue with the help of Buckeye Hills Regional Council. According to Chasity Schmelzenbach, the organization will act as a coordinator for local organizations, government entities, and the local residents who will still need help.
“We have the people side, which are all of the non-profits. Folks like the United Way that are taking donations still as well as those who provide services. All the individual agencies that may help you repair your home or provide other supports in a variety of ways,” Schmelzenbach said.
You can call Buckeye Hills Regional Council for long-term recovery assistance at 740-538-1265. Survivor Outreach Availability will be established in several locations throughout Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties in November. FEMA and the SBA will be at these locations to continue offering application support to residents in need. The locations and schedules can be found below.
Muskingum County – Open Nov. 2 – 20
Newton Township Fire Department – 5490 Maysville Pike, Zanesville, Ohio 43701
- Hours – Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Will be open until Nov. 20
Perry County – Open Nov. 2 – 20
Perry County EMA – 121 W. Brown Street, New Lexington, Ohio 43764
- Hours – Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Will be open until Nov. 20
Morgan County – Open Nov. 4 – 20
The Riecker Building – 155 East Main Street. McConnelsville, Ohio 43756
- Hours – Monday-Friday 8 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Will be open until Nov. 20
