Augusta Opens FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to Support Hurricane Helene Victims

Augusta Community Welcomes New FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the community of *Augusta* is not just picking up the pieces, but also welcoming some much-needed help. For the past two weeks, the federal FEMA team has been busy providing support, but now they’re setting up a more permanent presence at the local HUB.

Grand Opening of the Disaster Recovery Center

Starting Sunday at 1 p.m., the new Disaster Recovery Center will officially open its doors. This center aims to offer a physical space for locals to access assistance, register for help, and most importantly, connect with FEMA representatives. Jovanna Garcia, a media relations specialist at FEMA, emphasized the importance of being physically present in the community impacted by the hurricane.

Understanding the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene left *Augusta* and surrounding areas with widespread damage, and debris removal is currently underway across various counties. Many residents are actively filing damage claims with both their insurance companies and FEMA. Garcia notes that it’s crucial for those affected to engage directly with the resources available to them.

Community Engagement and Assistance

To foster a spirit of unity, on Saturday, local baseball team GreenJackets, along with other minor league teams from the southeast, conducted a generous food and supply giveaway. *“We’ve been here since day one, since the beginning,”* Garcia remarked, reflecting on their proactive efforts even before the hurricane struck.

She further elaborated, *“In order for families and those that were impacted to feel that sense of us being here, having this community center localized in an area that has been heavily impacted is key.”* It’s a comforting reminder that help is close at hand, and that they are committed to staying until everyone gets the assistance they need for their recovery.

Getting Started with FEMA Assistance

For residents looking to apply for FEMA assistance, Garcia shared some important steps. Registering at the recovery center can help streamline the process and ensure you are up-to-date with your claims status. Here are some of the top things residents should do:

• Register with FEMA – It’s the first step toward receiving assistance.
• Stay updated with your contact information – This is critical as an inspector will need to reach out regarding your claim.
• Check your status regularly – If you receive a determination letter or need to follow up with documents, you can do this at the center.

Additional Help and Resources

For those who can’t make it to the center, there are still plenty of options available. You can call 800-621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov for more information. Remember, different language options are available if needed.

A Journey Towards Recovery

As we reach the two-week mark since Hurricane Helene swept through our area, it’s evident that residents are beginning to adapt and rebuild. Yet, *it’s essential to stay informed and proactive* during this process. Garcia encourages everyone to keep their lines of communication open, as FEMA is there to assist you every step of the way.

Overall, the opening of this new Disaster Recovery Center is a promising step forward for the *Augusta* community. Let’s take advantage of the resources available to help each other recover and move forward. Together, we can rise from the impacts of Hurricane Helene and restore our vibrant community.