Starting today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to open new assistance centers in Eaton, Kent, and Oakland counties. These centers aim to aid residents from nine counties in recovering from the damaging effects of last summer’s storms, tornadoes, and flooding incidents.
Teams of specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to guide affected individuals through the process of applying for federal disaster relief. They will also provide advice on making properties more resistant to such disasters in the future and address any related inquiries.
The new centers will extend services to residents of Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Operating hours for most centers are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with plans to remain open until the end of the week.
This initiative follows President Joe Biden’s approval of a major disaster declaration for the impacted counties earlier this year, prompted by a request from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The federal funding allocated under this declaration is intended to support various recovery efforts, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, alongside low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses.
The need for such assistance stems from a series of severe weather events that began on August 24 of the previous year, significantly affecting Lower Michigan. The region experienced widespread power outages, extensive tree damage, and considerable strain on storm water and sewer systems due to the storms. Notably, western Wayne County was hit by torrential rains on August 23, with recorded rainfall reaching up to 7 inches. The following day, seven tornadoes were confirmed to have touched down in Michigan, resulting in two fatalities and causing substantial damage to buildings, trees, and infrastructure, particularly in Wayne County.
To accommodate the diverse needs of the community, the centers will offer services in multiple languages, including American Sign Language, and provide translated materials. Residents seeking assistance have until April 8 to apply but are not obligated to visit a center to do so. Applications can be made by calling (800) 621-3362, visiting the FEMA Disaster Assistance website, or through the FEMA mobile app.
Center Locations:
- Eaton County: Lansing Community College, West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Dr.
- Kent County: Henze Community Center, Alpine Township Fire Station #1, 1100 Henze St. NW
- Oakland County: South Lyon City Hall, 335 S. Warren St.
Other Centers Already Open:
- Monroe County: Frenchtown Township Fire Dept., 2885 Nadeau Rd.
- Southeast Wayne County: Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus, 21000 Northline Rd.
- Wayne County, Canton West Central: Canton Human Services Building, 50430 School House Rd.
- Macomb County: Chesterfield Township Fire Department Central Station, 33991 23 Mile Rd.
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