As part of their ongoing earthquake recovery efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established a disaster recovery center in Soldotna at the United Methodist Church.
The recovery center will be at the church from March 4 to March 9, with FEMA representatives present from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
Two weeks ago, FEMA sent a Disaster Survivor Assistance Team to the Nikiski Community Recreation Center, which will be there until Wednesday.
FEMA spokesman Jack Heesch said that where the Nikiski team was part of an outreach program to help people get registered into FEMA’s databank, this new recovery center in Soldotna is focused on helping those who have already registered determine their current status and what else they need to do in order to receieve assistance.
“It’s an opportunity to sit down and talk with someone in person about their applications. We all know that can make the process a lot easier,” said Heesch.
According to a press release, the disaster recovery center will provide in-person advice and referrals to residents of the Kenai Peninsula who suffered damage to their homes or properties in the aftermath of the Nov. 30 earthquake.
Staff from FEMA, the US Small Business Administration, and other local agencies will help Alaskans determine their eligibility for programs such as FEMA’s individual assistance program, as well as help with completing paperwork or checking the status of applications.
Anyone looking to apply for disaster assistance at the recovery center should bring all the necessary information with them, including social security number, address of the damaged residence, description of the damage, information about insurance coverage and contact information. To receive recovery funds through direct deposit, banking information should also be brought to the recovery center.
The United Methodist Church is located at 158 S Binkley St in Soldotna. For more information about disaster recovery assistance, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
