BURLINGTON, Vt. -- Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene may now visit a disaster recovery center open in Northfield for disaster assistance information.
Northfield Library (Community Room)
93 South Main Street
Northfield, VT 05663
The recovery centers are staffed with disaster recovery specialists from various federal, state and local agencies and organizations who can answer questions about disaster assistance programs.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's individual assistance program covers expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.
Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Some applicants may receive an SBA loan application after registering with FEMA. No one is obligated to take out a loan. But if they don't complete the application, they will not be considered for some federal grants.
Anyone who has a question about disaster loans may visit a disaster recovery center to speak with an SBA representative. Staff specialists are also available at the centers to answer other disaster assistance questions. Specialists at the recovery centers can refer applicants to voluntary agencies and provide information to reduce damage in possible future disasters.
Disaster officials encourage those affected by the storms to register with FEMA before visiting a disaster recovery center by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Multilingual registration assistance is available. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.
Applicants who would like to speak to disaster specialists face-to-face can visit a center between
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Other disaster recovery centers are in the following locations:
Bennington Fire Department
130 River Street
Bennington, VT 05201
The Rock Church
473 Woodstock Road
Woodstock, VT 05091
Rutland Heart Center
1 Commons Street
Rutland, VT 05701
Dover Town Hall
120 Taft Brook Road
Dover, VT 05341
U.S. Post Office (Upstairs)
2046 Route 4
Killington, VT 05751
Barre Municipal Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641
Living Memorial Park Skating Rink
61 Memorial Park Drive
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Waterbury Fire Department
43 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05676
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585; or call 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS).
FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by ...