A Federal Emergency Management Agency temporary disaster recovery center is set to close today in Eldon.
The center opened Monday at the Eldon Community Center, 309 E. Second St., to provide one-on-one assistance to individuals impacted by flooding or the May 22 tornado.
Representatives are available 8 a.m.-7 p.m. before the center moves Friday to Osage County, 611 E. Main St. in Linn, where it's open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday.
The disaster recovery center in Jefferson City opened Sunday at the Cole County/Jefferson City Office of Emergency Management, 1736 Southridge Drive. Representatives are available 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
FEMA grants are available for temporary rental assistance, basic home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance. Representatives with U.S. Small Business Administration are also present to provide assistance to businesses, homeowners, renters and nonprofits.
FEMA has approved 767 households in Missouri for individual assistance grants and provided about $3.4 million directly to the disaster victims. As of Tuesday, in Cole County, 72 households have been approved, totaling $364,000 in grants. In Miller County, 25 households received $125,000 in FEMA grants.
FEMA spokesman John Mills advised people spread the word about the centers and use the services while they are available. Missourians may register or check on assistance applications wherever services are available. Centers usually close when fewer than 10 people visit per day.
"People should take advantage of these centers as soon as possible because they are temporary," Mills said.
Those who have already paid for repairs and hotels or living expenses may be reimbursed. The agency asks for receipts, contractor estimates or other documentation, which can be provided online or on-site.
Officials could not provide information on traffic flow at the Eldon location.
Corey Williams, SBA public information officer, told the Eldon Board of Aldermen on Tuesday night that owners of businesses of all sizes should consider looking beyond obvious damage.
"The thing that I really emphasize for an Eldon business owner, especially during this recovery period, is the need for working capital," Williams said.
After the temporary center makes rounds in Osage and Boone counties, it is expected to return to Miller County, he said.
"It's going to end up coming back here to Miller County in Eldon," Williams said. "What they are trying to do is make sure they are touching every county that's been impacted and that's been declared by President Trump."
FEMA Media Relations Specialist Renae Gaskins said the agency works closely with state and local municipalities on where centers are needed.
"No one knows the lay of the land better than they do," Gaskins said. "Under their guidance, they help us identify locations for our disaster recovery centers. Once we set up, we keep these DRCs open as long as the need is there. As fewer people attend, then we have a conversation with the state and the local municipalities to determine whether to keep the DRC open or close."
Eldon Parks and Recreation Director Michael Brandt said the Community Center is doing its part in helping its residents. From May 22 through June 9, the building functioned as the American Red Cross shelter.
"We are happy to be able to provide a building that the different agencies can come in and use for disaster recovery or as a shelter," Brandt said." Even though we have to do some shuffling of our schedule for the city, we're happy to lend that hand and make sure all of our citizens are taken care of."
The SBA business recovery center is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday at 917 Leslie Blvd.
Individuals may register with FEMA before going to the disaster recovery center, but there will be people at the center to help with registration. People can register with FEMA by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. any day or by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. The deadline to apply is Sept. 9.