A FEMA representative helps a disaster survivor at a Disaster Recovery Center in Florida.
After a disaster, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward. The road to recovery can be intimidating, but you are not alone. It’s important to ask for help as you navigate each step of the process. One of the best places to get direct help is at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
These centers are designed to guide you through the recovery process. When you walk in, you’re welcomed by FEMA representatives ready to give you one-on-one help so you feel confident and comfortable.
FEMA representatives can help you apply for assistance, check the status of your application and learn about resources to help you. If you’ve received a communication from someone claiming to represent FEMA and you’re not sure if it’s a scam, they can help you verify the communication.
Representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA) also staff the centers to assist homeowners, renters and small businesses apply for loans. These loans can help provide funding for expenses not covered under a FEMA grant or your insurance.
Representatives of the state and other organizations are there to help as well.
As recovery efforts continue, FEMA will open more of these centers. If there isn’t a Disaster Recovery Center close to you, keep checking back as more will be opening in the coming days and weeks.
Everyone is welcome
Disaster Recovery Centers are for all survivors, regardless of citizenship status. We encourage everyone impacted by disaster to visit their nearest Disaster Recovery Center so we can help start your road to recovery.
Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language you feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.
Find a DRC in your area
- You can search by your exact location or state to easily get a list of the Disaster Recovery Centers near you with our DRC Locator.
- For Hurricane Ian locations, you can also find a list of the open centers on the Florida location page.
- For Hurricane Fiona locations, find a list of open centers on the Puerto Rico location page.
- The FEMA App will show you DRC locations near you right on the home page, and you can search the list of locations in both English and Spanish.
Bring your questions
We want to hear about the challenges you’re facing and the needs you might have. If you’re confused about assistance FEMA offers or something you received from us, representatives at the center can help answer these questions. At a Disaster Recovery Center, you can:
- Learn about disaster assistance programs.
- Check the status of your FEMA application.
- Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
- Find housing and rental assistance information.
- Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
- Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) programs.
Recovery is a whole community effort. It can’t be done alone. As you navigate your own piece of the recovery process, remember to ask for help by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center or calling FEMA’s Disaster Assistance Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.