FEMA Offers Mobile and Fixed Centers for Assistance

Release Date:
February 3, 2023

FEMA offers three types of assistance centers to help those who were affected by California’s severe winter storms and flooding that began Dec. 27, 2022.

Fixed Disaster Recovery Centers, which began opening Jan. 19, are staffed with trained FEMA personnel as well as representatives from California state agencies, FEMA Hazard Mitigation and the U.S. Small Business Administration. To locate a center closest to you, visit www.fema.gov/locations or download the FEMA app.

Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers may also be located in a building; however, these centers are generally open for only a set period of time and can be relocated to another building or address.

  • The specialists staffing the fixed and Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan new information or documents needed for case files.
  • At these centers, you can also connect with other agencies for immediate needs assistance (debris removal, removing damaged belongings and construction materials that may present a health hazard, etc.). And you can also get help navigating FEMA recovery programs and insurance programs.
  • SBA representatives are on hand to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private non-profits, homeowners and renters.

Mobile Registration Intake Centers are another way that FEMA makes it easier for disaster survivors to apply for assistance. FEMA specialists visit counties designated under the major disaster declaration, stopping for a set number of days. They bring help with applications and information closer to survivors.

  • Specialists at the Mobile Registration Intake Centers can provide information and advice about available assistance, help you get updates about your application and answer your questions. They can also provide referrals to community, state and federal agencies.

All recovery centers are accessible. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and American Sign Language is available by request. The centers located in a building also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

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