FEMA Disaster Relief Centers will remain open in Brimfield, Monson, Southbridge, Springfield and West Springfield.
06.28.2011 | The Republican photo by Mark M. Murray | SPRINGFIELD – FEMA workers Magda Reyes, left and Tomas Rivera, right, talk with home owner Celeste Femia, infront of her tornado damaged home on Arcadia Blvd, as they were out talking with homeowners and letting them know they should sign up with FEMA to help cover some of their expenses. SPRINGFIELD – Celeste Femia will miss the shade and cool breeze in her backyard on Arcadia Boulevard. The June 1 tornado that tore through her neighborhood destroyed all of the trees in her yard and along her street.
“It’s a totally different view now,” she said as she shared her story with Tomas Rivera and Magda Reyes, two community relations specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Rivera and Reyes have been going door-to-door to speak with residents affected by the tornado.
“Our job is stop by every neighborhood that has been affected by the tornado and offer our services to the people living there,” Reyes said.
Rivera and Reyes made their way through West Springfield and several neighborhoods in Springfield, including Central Street and many streets off Island Pond Road. Other teams are visiting residents in Monson and Wilbraham.
“We want to make sure that people know what is available and that they are registered with FEMA,” Rivera said.
Registering for the program is an essential part of getting assistance, whether it’s a loan or a grant, said Daniel Llargues, public information officer for FEMA. As of June 28, 3,010 people had registered for assistance.
“A lot of people think they registered by calling the 311 number, but that is for city services. You need to call the FEMA number, or go online, or visit a disaster relief center to properly register for federal assistance,” he said.
Eight disaster-relief centers were established once a federal disaster designation was made; three of them, located in Sturbridge, Wilbraham and Westfield, closed on July 1.
The remaining centers, including locations at the Massachusetts Technology Park, One Federal St., Building 104, in Springfield, the J. Edward Christian Municipal Office Building, 26 Central St., in West Springfield, Hitchcock Academy, 2 Brookfield Road, Brimfield, Granite Valley Middle School, 21 Thompson St., Monson, and Jacob Edwards Library, 236 Main St., Southbridge, will remain open.
The centers were closed for the Independence Day weekend but are due to reopen Tuesday morning. The hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
“This is like a one-stop shopping center where they can get access to counseling services, unemployment information, housing, insurance and more,” Llargues said.
Femia had not registered with FEMA, but was encouraged to do so by Rivera and Reyes, who spent time with her outside her home.
“Everyone has really been supportive from the city to FEMA, coming and telling us what services they have,” Femia said. Soon after the tornado hit, the city sent a building inspector to assess the damage, she said, and her home has been condemned. Now, she will have to rebuild with some help from her insurance company.
Llargues said it is important for homeowners and business owners to save receipts and other proof of the damage and repairs to their homes so they can ensure they qualify for future assistance.
“We are trying to get help to as many people as possible, whether it's through grants or low-interest loans,” he said.
Rivera said he is impressed with the work done by the city, including Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and emergency preparedness director Robert Hassett.
“They have been doing a phenomenal job getting information out to people,” Rivera said. “They have responded quickly and efficiently.”
Homeowners, renters and businesses should all register for FEMA assistance even if they think the damage they suffered was minor, Llargues said.
“Do not disqualify yourself,” he said. “Submit the application and see what you are eligible for. If it’s for a loan that you don’t want you should still submit the application because you could be eligible for other services.”
As of the week of June 27, $2 million had been dispersed by FEMA to affected residents through grants for rent, home repairs and more.
“People really need to register before the time expires,” he said.
Traditionally people have 60 days after a disaster declaration to apply for services, Reyes said. President Barack Obama declared a major federal disaster area for Hampden and Worcester counties on June 15.
FEMA's community relations teams will continue to visit neighborhoods across the city until they have knocked on every door, if possible.
“We want people to know what we can do help or at least connect them with the right people,” Reyes said.