FEMA mobile disaster recovery center helping Middle Georgia hurricane victims

Those who applied for disaster relief after the storm can go to the FEMA truck, next to Piggly Wiggly in McRae-Helena, to check on the status of their applications.

MCRAE-HELENA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has parked a mobile disaster recovery center in McRae-Helena, open to those in Telfair and all disaster relief approved counties across Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

It’s been more than a month since Helene made its way through Middle Georgia, and many residents are still trying to clean up its damage. Those who applied for relief after the storm can go to the FEMA truck, next to the Piggly Wiggly at 48 East Oak Street, to check on the status of their applications, and even appeal previously denied applications.

Scotty Whitten says he drove from Dodge County to get assistance for the destruction a fallen tree caused on his home.

“Insurance just didn’t cover it all,” Whitten said. “So, I’m here today to see if I can just get more assistance on the part that we had to come out of pocket with.”

Bruce Bouch, an External Affairs Specialist for FEMA, encourages those who have been denied federal disaster relief to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with FEMA representatives. He says denial can often stem from minor application errors, such as a mistyped address.

“So, don’t take it as the final and all do all,” Bouch said. “Take that as there is an appeals process. Read the letter thoroughly and come back and make any corrections that are necessary.”

Bouch says FEMA recovery centers are in place to answer questions disaster victims may have, and help communities rebuild. He says if Hurricane Helene caused any damage to your home, no matter how large or small, you should stop by and apply for relief.

“Any damage, whether they’re rental or owner, they should check in and see what services can be provided,” Bouch said.

People leaving the recovery center say that talking about the storm’s damage and providing their information face-to-face instead of online or over the phone, made all the difference.

“My wife and I decided to come down in person and see if it would be a lot easier, and it was,” Whitten said. “We had already registered online. So, when I came down, they had all my information. So, the process was pretty quick.” 

The center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily through Saturday.