New FEMA center opens for Helene victims in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – FEMA has been boots on the ground in our community for the last two weeks after Hurricane Helene.

But now, they have a more semi-permanent place in our community.

It’s all happening at the HUB in Augusta.

The new Disaster Recovery Center will be opening on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Helene left widespread damage across our area. Debris is in the process of being removed by various counties.

Since then, some people have been putting in damage claims both with insurers and FEMA.

Now, Jovanna Garcia, media relations specialist for FEMA, says it’s important for them to be in direct contact with people like you who have been impacted by Helene.

“We’ve been here since day one, since the beginning. Actually, pre-positioned before the hurricane hit. But the thing is that in order for families and those that were impacted to feel that a sense of us being here, a sense of us here to help, having this community center here, localized in an area that has been heavily impacted, but it’s also accessible for a lot of people to receive assistance,” said Garcia. “We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be here, but FEMA is not going to leave. We’re here to stay until everyone receives the assistance necessary for them to start their recovery process.”

She says they want people to come to the center and register with FEMA.

You can update and check your registration there.

Garcia says these are the top things to do when applying for FEMA assistance:

• File a claim with your insurance company
• Register with FEMA Follow up with FEMA
• Meet with an inspector
• Keep up with your information with FEMA.

Garcia also had important advice as the process goes on.

“The most important thing is that once they register, they have to keep up with their information updates. They’re going to get a call from an inspector, and inspectors got to come out to the home. But the biggest thing is staying informed with us,” she said.

If you get a determination letter or need to follow up with documents, you can go to the center as well.

If you cannot get there, you can call 800-621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov. There are options for different languages if needed.

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