Hours of operation at the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Elkhart and South Bend will change over the Memorial Day weekend.
The changed hours for both recovery centers are as follows:
Sunday & Monday, May 27 & 28: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The DRCs are at the following addresses:
ELKHART COUNTY
COUNTY HEALTH DEPT.
608 OAKLAND AVE.
ELKHART, IN 46516
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
LEIGHTON CENTER
534 N. MICHIGAN STREET
SOUTH BEND, IN 46601
Tuesday, May 29, the DRCs will go back to their regular hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Survivors may visit any DRC. Find an open DRC near you at www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service, (TTY) 800-462-7585. Helpline numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. DRC information is also available on the FEMA App.
The registration process is the first step in your recovery and requires information such as insurance policies and bank information for possible direct transfer of funds. Survivors are encouraged to register before visiting a DRC.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers federal disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters. The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged property.
If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585. Information on the registration process is available in ASL at: fema.gov/medialibrary/assets/videos/111546.
- Help is available in most languages.
- Download the FEMA App and apply.
You may have other needs while visiting a DRC:
- If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation, please see a DRC manager when you arrive.
- Language translations are offered through Telephonic Interpretation Services in 200 languages.
Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing affected areas and are able to register survivors for FEMA assistance, if needed. Telephonic Interpretation Services are available in many languages to assist survivors with language needs. When residents require further assistance, the teams may refer them to a DRC.
If you have already registered, it is not necessary to visit a DRC. You may still want to go speak with a Recovery Specialist to update your status, submit documentation or find help from the other organizations.
FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4363 or the @FEMARegion5 Twitter account.