By Irene Plagianos DNAinfo
Residents and business owners in Lower Manhattan still struggling to get back on their feet after Hurricane Sandy can now get some face time with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives thanks to its newest disaster recovery center.
The agency opened its only Manhattan center last week in the Seaport’s Southbridge Towers complex at 66 Frankfort Street, Store Number 10.
FEMA spokesperson Victor Inge said the center provides information about the various disaster relief the agency offers, such as low-interest loans and grants for victims of the storm.
The agency has 22 other similar centers in New York located in Brooklyn, Long Island and Queens.
FEMA representatives can help applicants in getting assistance, or answer specific questions about an individual’s case if he or she has already registered for some kind of aid.
“We’re there to walk people through the process,” Inge said. “Many people still feel more comfortable talking to someone face to face — it helps them understand what’s available to them, what steps they [may] need to take.”
Since opening on Dec. 22, the center has had more than 50 people come through with inquiries, according to Inge.
Representatives from the Small Business Administration are also on hand to handle questions or offer guidance.
The deadline for residents or business owners affected by the storm to register for federal disaster assistance is January 28th.
Center hours are Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The center is closed New Year’s Day.
For more information head to disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.
