Disaster Recovery Centers open in Harris County

Four locations open in the area

HOUSTON – One of four disaster relief centers opened Monday at 16800 Imperial Valley in Greenspoint, one of the areas hardest-hit by April’s storms.

The three other centers are opening in Houston, Spring, and Cypress. FEMA officials said more may be opening up soon to get as much help as possible to families devastated by flooding.

"I feel it's going to be okay because I have my faith. I know it's going to be okay," flood victim, Tiffany Bernard said.

It was a different tone for Bernard and her young family, two weeks after those devastating rains hit the area. She lost her home near Greenbriar Colony. She said water was waist high and everything washed away. They need all the help they can get.

"I lost a lot of my kids clothes, my car was damaged very badly, the bottom of the furniture, all the carpet. The landlord said I can't be there anymore so I have to find another place," Bernard said.

FEMA is helping her and several other hundred people in the same situation. Helping those affected by the flood to register with FEMA for federal aid. Once registered, victims could be eligible for loans for flood repairs, grants for temporary housing, and money to replace all of their damaged items.

"I'm going to use any help, any option any. I thank you for telling me about the center. I'm going to use all my options," Bernard said.

FEMA officials said the process to register takes about 15 minutes and victims could see flood relief aid within seven to 10 days of registering.

Jennifer Ukeju and her family were among the first in line Monday. Ukeju has three children and a fourth on the way. She said she broke her hand in the storm.

"My family and I have lost everything, so we're just trying to see what kind of resources that we can get," Ukeju said.

The centers give families access to city, county, state and federal resources. Families like Ukeju’s can apply for financial help.

"There are a lot of families out there that have not received help.  And we need help.  We need the community. This is the time where we need help. Someone step in to help us please," Ukeju said.

Ukeju and her growing family are determined to move on and just need a little help

"It's important because there's still a lot of people in Harris County who have not yet had an opportunity to file a claim to get relief that is a result of the terrible storms that we had.  What we try and do now is create a second phase of recovery," Commissioner Gene Locke of Precinct 1 said.

Registration can be completed online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362. TTY users should call 800-462-7585.

The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Applicants will be asked to provide:

• Social Security number

• Address of the damaged primary residence

• Description of the damage

• Information about insurance coverage

• A current contact telephone number

• An address where they can receive mail

• Bank account and routing numbers for those preferring direct deposit of funds

Those who want to apply in person or need help registering for aid can head to a disaster relief center at one of the following locations:

• Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77074

• Greenspoint Commercial Office Building, 16800 Imperial Valley Dr., Houston, TX 77060

• Cypress Creek Christian Church and Community Center, 6823 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77379

• Lone Star College Cy-Fair Library, 9191 Barker Cypress Rd., Cypress, TX 77433

The centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays until further notice.

You can register with FEMA even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.