FEMA Opens Mobile Disaster Recovery Center For Contra Costa Residents

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A mobile disaster recovery center has opened for Contra Costa County residents impacted by the December and January winter storms to connect with federal recovery resources in person, county officials announced Friday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency —FEMA — opens the mobile center Sunday, Feb. 26, making it the second and third location in the county.

The mobile center is available at these dates and times, depending on need:

• Richmond Civic Center Parking Lot, between 24th and 25th streets in Richmond. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Feb. 26-March 1
• Community Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, March 2-4

The mobile center helps residents with FEMA individual assistance. Those seeking assistance from state agencies or the Small Business Administration should visit the Recovery Center in Danville.

The Danville FEMA Center at 510 Gonda Way, Danville, remains open for residents — depending on need— 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through March 1 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through March 16. The site is closed Sunday, March 5, and Sunday, March 12.

The FEMA Center can help residents:

• Apply directly for assistance. Residents can still apply online or check the status of their application at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362;
• Learn more about disaster assistance programs;
• Learn the status of a FEMA application;
• Ask questions regarding eligibility;
• Find housing and rental assistance information;
• Get answers to questions or resolve issues; or
• Get referrals to agencies that might offer other assistance.

Other resources through the California Office of Emergency Services — CalOES — and the Small Business Administration —SBA — are also available.

Those who have experienced personal property damage need to contact their insurance company first to determine available resources. FEMA provides assistance to applicants for uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.

County Approved For Public Assistance Program

Contra Costa County, including unincorporated and incorporated areas, reported an estimated $43 million in damage to public infrastructure from the storms, including bridges, roads and culverts.

On Feb. 24, Contra Costa County submitted its request for Public Assistance for the unincorporated areas. Each city within the county will have to submit a request to be eligible for federal reimbursement. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to local governments so communities can respond and recover from major disasters or emergencies. After an event like severe storms, government organizations need help to cover their costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.