Recovery center for Southern Indiana flood victims to close Saturday

June 06--INDIANAPOLIS -- Three Indiana Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) -- in Utica, Elkhart and South Bend -- will close permanently Saturday, June 9. Survivors do not need to visit a DRC to register with FEMA or get assistance.

The Utica center is located at Utica Town Hall, 107 N. Fourth St., Utica.

The facility will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, June 8. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9, when it will close permanently. DRCs offer in-person support to individuals and business owners. Recovery specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the State of Indiana are available to provide assistance to anyone filling out their applications or updating their status.

Survivors needing help may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Indiana residents affected by the February flooding may have received a letter from FEMA saying they are ineligible for housing assistance. Read your letter carefully to understand the reason for the determination.

Keep in mind: FEMA cannot pay for damage covered by insurance or duplicate benefits from another source.

FEMA grants are meant for costs to return your home to a safe, sanitary and functional place to live. Damage to non-essential space or property is not eligible under FEMA programs. If you have questions about the type of damage eligible under FEMA programs, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

The flood damage must have occurred at your primary residence. Your disaster-damaged property must be located in a county designated for federal assistance: Clark, Floyd or Harrison counties in Southern Indiana.

There are many reasons for potential ineligibility for Housing Assistance. If FEMA asks for more information or additional documents, you can appeal the initial decision and be reconsidered for federal assistance.

To appeal a FEMA decision:

Send a letter, with any additional documentation, to FEMA asking for reconsideration. This must be done within 60 days of the date of your ineligibility letter.

Mail to: FEMA's Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055. Or fax the documents to: 800-827-8112.

-- Submitted

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