FEMA site opens in Mercer County for residents and business owners who suffered damages during Tropical Storm Ida

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a disaster recovery center at the Hollowbrook Community Center, which is located at 320 Hollowbrook Drive in Ewing Township.

Workers at the center will assist Mercer County residents and business owners who suffered property damage as a result of Tropical Storm Ida.

The disaster recovery center opened today, Sept. 14. Weekday hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. An appointment is not necessary. Just walk in.

Disaster relief centers are staffed by FEMA representatives who can provide information on FEMA disaster aid and answer questions. The center is open to residents and business owners from every municipality in Mercer County, and residents from any other county that received the FEMA “disaster” declaration.

On Sept. 10, Mercer County residents were declared eligible to register for assistance from FEMA. Residents who previously registered for assistance via the Internet or by phone do not need to visit the center, but can ask questions or seek further information in person at the center.

The eligibility for FEMA Individual Assistance means residents or business owners whose properties were directly damaged by the flooding can apply to recoup their losses. Center workers provide guidance regarding disaster recovery, housing assistance, and rental resource information.

Residents and business owners can also begin the disaster application process by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in Mercer County also are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans from the Small Business Administration. For more information, visit https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.

Residents in need of assistance with damage from Tropical Storm Ida may call a Home Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations and community groups that may be able to assist with cutting fallen trees, removing drywall, flooring and appliances, tarping roofs and mitigating mold. The hotline will remain open through Sept. 17.