TEMA opens Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) across region

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has opened two Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) in the region to help those impacted by the recent floods.

One is set up at 306 Forest Drive in Jonesborough, the old Jonesborough Elementary School, and in Elizabethton at 1749 Highway 19E near Ace Hardware.

“The goal is that somebody who has no idea where to turn or what to do,” said Jeremy Holley, the MARC Coordinator. “We could provide a place where they could kind of start getting a foothold and start talking to somebody to get information on what they need to do, where they need to go, and who they need to talk to. Anything you can do on the forehand would help. If you’ve already talked to your insurance and you know this part of damage isn’t going to be covered or is going to be covered that of course helps a lot.”

FEMA, the Department of Drivers Services, the Department of Human Services, ARCH, the American Red Cross and others were there to help people with their needs.

“When somebody leaves here, I hope that they’re leaving knowing that it’s started,” said Holley. “They know what to do next. They know who to talk to, or they have a phone number or they have a website. They know where to go to continue this long process of recovery.”

People don’t have to bring anything or make an appointment. Holley says they just need people to show up so they can know how to help.

“It takes years. I mean, years. You look at any state that’s had major disasters such as what we’ve faced here in East Tennessee,” Holley said. “And I mean, some of those places are still going through recovery. A decade after the incident happened, Not a quick process. We’re just now starting the recovery process and trying to help folks get the services and the resources they need. And then when we go into long-term recovery and start talking about mitigation and how we prevent this from happening again, you’re looking at multiple years down the road.”

On Wednesday, FEMA Deputy Administrator Eric Hooks visited the MARC in Elizabethton to check in on recovery efforts.

The centers are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and from 12-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Holley says TEMA plans to have the centers opened and staffed for two to three months.

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