By: Ashmar Mandou

Cook County residents impacted by this summer’s storms and flooding have a window of opportunity to apply for FEMA assistance as the deadline quickly approaches. “Do not wait, the sooner you get the process started the better,” said FEMA Media Relations Specialist Leyla Gulen. “We have DRC reps who speak multiple languages ready to assist you in the process, so we encourage anybody to come and get registered.” FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) opened all across Cook County late summer, so far with the help of loans provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), more than $125 million have been distributed to families across Chicagoland and FEMA has received over 50,000 registrations.

“We can’t do it without the support from town leadership, district leadership, town halls and events. It’s a tremendous feeling to know how many we have helped, and we just want to make sure we don’t miss anybody. Which is why it is crucial to apply before the deadline,” said Gulen. DRC locations provides assistance which can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding is also available on a cost sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in Cook County. When meeting with a DRC rep applicants must show proof of residence, then the initial registration process begins, the applicant will go through the SBA loan application process, and finally will set up an appointment with an inspector. The whole process, depending on the individual need, can take anywhere between seven to 10 days, according to Gulen.

In addition, a DRC location will also help the applicant learn their status, help the applicant understand any letters or contacts you get from FEMA, learn about additional disaster assistance programs, and get referrals to agencies and so much more. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is on October 16th. If you have questions about FEMA assistance, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you would like to visit a DRC, the following locations are available:

Austin North: Washington Square Mall, 4851 West North Ave.
Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. Closed Sun.

Austin South: Columbus Park Fieldhouse, 500 South Central Ave.
Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. — 5 p.m., Closed Sun.

Berwyn: Berwyn Grove Avenue Parking Garage, 3310 Grove Ave.
Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. Closed Sun.

Cicero: Morton College, 3801 South Central Ave.
Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. Closed Sun.

Garfield Park: Garfield Community Service Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. Closed Sun.

Pullman: Imani Village, 9501 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Door B
Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. Closed Sun